Parish
WilCo Case: Orientation Irrelevant
RECEIVED Tue., Sept. 9, 2008
Dear Editor,
In response to the article about the indictment of a 39-year-old male who allegedly asked a 16-year-old male to consent to a sexual act [“In WilCo, Making a Pass Is OK … Unless You're Gay,” News, Sept. 5]: I must say I do not think Williamson County is being too harsh to consider felony imprisonment. The 39-year-old male makes his case surrounding his sexual orientation. The fact still remains that the victim was underage. The outcome would have been the same if the victim were female. Sexual orientation is irrelevant and is being used as a tactic to divert attention away from the actual crime. The defendant argues that no sexual contact ensued, thereby releasing him from responsibility. The transaction of words still took place, thereby confirming his intent of sexual misconduct. He also claims he did not know the age of the victim. This fact is also irrelevant for the fact that ignorance is not an excuse to break the law. I think these types of crimes should not be dismissed by circumstance. Regardless of gender, children should not have to be exposed to such a vulgar display of harassment. Williamson County is justified in this case to display a stance of no tolerance when it comes to the safety of its children.
In response to the article about the indictment of a 39-year-old male who allegedly asked a 16-year-old male to consent to a sexual act [“In WilCo, Making a Pass Is OK … Unless You're Gay,” News, Sept. 5]: I must say I do not think Williamson County is being too harsh to consider felony imprisonment. The 39-year-old male makes his case surrounding his sexual orientation. The fact still remains that the victim was underage. The outcome would have been the same if the victim were female. Sexual orientation is irrelevant and is being used as a tactic to divert attention away from the actual crime. The defendant argues that no sexual contact ensued, thereby releasing him from responsibility. The transaction of words still took place, thereby confirming his intent of sexual misconduct. He also claims he did not know the age of the victim. This fact is also irrelevant for the fact that ignorance is not an excuse to break the law. I think these types of crimes should not be dismissed by circumstance. Regardless of gender, children should not have to be exposed to such a vulgar display of harassment. Williamson County is justified in this case to display a stance of no tolerance when it comes to the safety of its children.
Cory Christensen
