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PakkyT t1_j49b65i wrote

Laws are interesting in that people often misinterpret what they say. While it might be nitpicking, what laws often say is what you can not do rather than what you can do.

As an example, you will read people who say the law says the age of consent it 16, but in reality it doesn't say that at all. It instead says no one under 16 can legally consent to sex. Again, perhaps nitpicking but the law doesn't actually say you can consent if you are 16+. But only a court can rule that you were able to give consent at age 16 since it isn't explicitly stated in the law.

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Curmudgy t1_j4c21bx wrote

> It instead says no one under 16 can legally consent to sex. Again, perhaps nitpicking but the law doesn't actually say you can consent if you are 16+.

That’s actually not what the law in MA says for this. It’s possible that some other states word it that way, but usually they don’t talk about consent. They just say it’s illegal to have sex with someone below a given age and it’s illegal to forcibly have sex with anyone. In MA, curiously, it does mention consent with regard to indecent assault on a child under 14, and courts will often say that the minor can’t consent or the consent isn’t a defense.

Here’s what the law in MA actually says: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-sex#child-under-16- . Don’t get confused by the quotes from courts nor by the law for indecent assault on someone under 14.

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TapAffectionate9434 OP t1_j49bhxb wrote

So it's intentionally vague for that gap in between 16 and 18

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MOGicantbewitty t1_j4b2efd wrote

Nah… there is nothing illegal about two people 16 or over having sex in MA. This guy is being weirdly and incorrectly pedantic.

From the state website:

E.C.O. v. Compton, 464 Mass. 558 (2013) "A person sixteen years of age or older is legally capable of 'consenting' to sexual intercourse. See G.L. c. 265, § 23; G.L. c. 277, § 39."

Your homophobic parents can’t do ANYTHING to your boyfriend if you are 16 and he is 18 and you have sex. Nothing.

But they could still ground you, take your money & property bc you are underage, etc. You are legally allowed to have sex with your boyfriend in MA. Just remember they can still be parents until you are 18. But I’d start making plans to get out now; start saving in a place they can’t get to.

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TapAffectionate9434 OP t1_j4bg7qq wrote

Thank you! This is exactly the response I've been looking for haha. Yeah parents suck and I've been planning on moving in with him for some time

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MOGicantbewitty t1_j4bn1ib wrote

So glad I can help! r/raisedbynarcissists may not be the right sub for you; I have no idea what type of sucky parents you have. But you can find resources on how to prep to move out at 18 on that sub

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TapAffectionate9434 OP t1_j4bs19z wrote

That's AMAZING omg :0 I did not expect this level of help from asking about consent laws😭

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Curmudgy t1_j4by5om wrote

You might also get advice from r/askgaybros. But search first, since these sort of questions occur frequently. When last I checked, they were often overly protective, advising teens to avoid doing anything that risks getting thrown out of the house.

But this is the Massachusetts sub, and I assume both you and your bf live in MA. We’re lucky to be in what’s probably the most gay-supportive state in the US. Are there any resources at school? If you’re close to Boston, are you aware of Bagly? (I don’t actually know how good Bagly is; I’m just used to seeing them at the annual pride march.)

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