New Delhi: Children nowadays have an early entry into adult world. But does that mean it is okay to allow 12-year-olds to indulge in non-penetrative sex? What kind of an impact would it have on childhood? And the society as a whole? Will it increase child abuse? And will children become more vulnerable?
MiD DAY spoke to doctors in the Capital and tried to get answers about what they think of the proposal that was drafted in the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Bill 2010 and sent to the states by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. According to the proposal, 12-year-old children may soon be legally permitted to have non- penetrative sex with children their age.
Though the ministry is confident about the proposal, city doctors are annoyed and amused. They feel that the ministry's step is wrong as a 12-year-old child istoo young to be aware about such issues. They don't even know the proper meaning of sex at that age.
"In Western countries, there is a lot of awareness about such things, but in India even the family hesitates talking to their children about such issues. There are people who may not be aware about these terminologies. Younger women will become vulnerable if this is passed by the ministry," said Dr Tripat Chaudhary, gynaecologist, Fortis La Femme. Also according to doctors, crime against women will increase as criminals will get a license for their immoral acts.
"Making it legal is something that will offend parents and the society as a whole. Criminals will now have an excuse and will easily be able to escape for their unlawful action," said Dr Ajay Pal Singh, psychologist, Max Healthcare.
"What is the government trying to do with this decision? It will create a lot of confusion. People who indulge in rape do not differentiate between penetrative and non-penetrative sex," said a senior gynaecologist at AIIMS, requesting anonymity. The question is, has the ministry thought these out?
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