Students can now consent to sex with teachers? Am I reading this correctly?

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that a teacher who was sentenced to prison for her sexual relationship with a minor, who was also a student at the school where the 28 year old taught, has had her sentence over turned because she should have been allowed to present CONSENT as a defense in her trial.

As in, the student was at least 16 (legal age of consent in the state of Georgia) therefore it could be seen as a legal relationship.

Granted, the student did say she initiated sexual contact HOWEVER it was the teacher's responsibility to keep contact appropriate. There are laws in place to protect people from those in authority for a reason which is what the dissenting judges hit upon.

If consent can be a reason to overturn this conviction then what is to stop any teacher from having relations with students? As long as he or she has reached the age of consent of course.

I find this thought rather chilling since it isn't always difficult for someone to convince a 16 year old that a sexual relationship is what he or she wants. Hell, adults have a problem with being manipulated by people in authority.

This should not stand as precedent.

http://community.feministing.com/2009/0 ... to-se.html