Raising the Age of Consent; a New Perspective

First started in 1946, the Kentucky Youth Assembly has brought many young people together from across the state. This year, the event gathered more students than ever to participate, and with a large amount of people comes various bills.

One bill in particular has broken the creativity standards for this formal event. Starting off with a song and advocating for a bill about sex, Nelson County High School has brought a fresh twist on bill presentation.

When asked about why the presentation started off with singing, bill sponsor Brett Phelps replied, “We decided to start off with a song because of the way it grabs attention, especially because of the fact that it has never really been seen before.”

In regards to the bill itself, it urges to raise the age of consent to eighteen instead of Kentucky’s original age of sixteen. Yet with a bill related to this personal of a subject, there is a view for both sides of the spectrum.

Alyssa Willet, a commonwealth delegate from Bethlehem High School, commented on this.

“I’m in favor of this bill because the change in age of consent would have positive results,” said Willet. “A person at the age of eighteen has the ability to make more rational decisions and has developed more than if they were sixteen.”

However, with a person in favor brings a person against.

Sadie Evans, a bluegrass delegate from Meade County High School, spoke in opposition of the bill.

“I’m against this bill because of what I believe in,” stated Evans. “Regardless of age restriction, you can have sex with whoever you want whenever you want to.”

The Nelson County bill sponsors believe that their bill can make a difference in the state.

“This bill is important because it deals with the nest generation,” said bill sponsor Stone Garcia. “Unlike most bills, it affects everyone attending this conference. Its to protect everyone here, and we believe that it can impact our state for the better.”