Child molester

Child molester is sometimes used by boylovers and girllovers as a pejorative term for an adult who rapes or otherwise coerces a child into unwanted sexual activity. Usage varies among the general population, but in most instances the term is applied to any person who has been convicted of child molestation.

Boylovers frequently express a disdain for child molestation equal to (if not more vigorous than) that expressed by society at large. Boylovers have the added burden, however, of having to work against a common assumption that boylove, sexually expressed or not, is in and of itself child molestation.

The distinguishing factor between a boylover and a child molester is that of thought, action, and—where action is concerned—consent. Whereas a child molester is someone who has commited an act of molestation, a boylover is simply somebody who is attracted—often sexually—to boys, which is not an action. While a boylover ideally will respect the wishes of the child and put his interest above any personal considerations, a child molester is simply using a child as an object for sexual gratification and is unconcerned for the child's wishes.

Society commonly argues that if a person is aged below the age of consent, he or she is not able to give informed consent about being part of a sexual relationship. People who hold this view thus argue that any sexual intimacy with such a person is an act of child molestation. Many boylovers argue that depending on age and psychological maturity, boys can give consent and sometimes even actively seek a sexual relationship with an adult friend. Such a relationship, they argue, is not child molestation. Note that some may hold this view and still be opposed to sexual relationships with boys because of society's harmful reaction towards the boys or the legal implications for themselves.

See also

• Child molestation