Free Kate

[NaLisa]

I'm with the group that this is an age of consent issue rather than a sexuality issue. I wish these cases would be considered based on age difference rather than focus so much on over/under 18. Three years should be the max, IMO. If you're more than three years apart in age and the younger person is under 18, then he/she is too young to consent, legally.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Sexual orientation has no place in the discussion. It's the fact the victim isn't old enough to give consent, plain and simple.

This leads to a whole other discussion about consent. Can a 14 year old give consent? Does it matter the age of the other individual? If the other individual was 16 or 15, it's not a crime. But at 17 it is. Is that fair? What would be a good line to draw? 21?

 

[FLCyndi]

Kate's mother knew and approved of their relationship. Plenty of 14-15 year olds date 17-18 year olds.

That doesn't mean it's not against the law, especially if the younger teens parents do not approve.

If Kate's mother approved then she should of known what the conseqences for her daughter were going to be if the other parents decided to press charges.

I knew what the law was and what COULD happen if a girl's parents were not OK with their younger daughter having a relationship with my older son.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

That doesn't mean it's not against the law, especially if the younger teens parents do not approve.

If Kate's mother approved then she should of known what the conseqences for her daughter were going to be if the other parents decided to press charges.

I knew what the law was and what COULD happen if a girl's parents were not OK with their younger daughter having a relationship with my older son.

But it's not against the law in Florida; that's precisely what the Romeo and Juliet exception is for.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Never heard of the Romeo & Juliet exception before this thread.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I'm with the group that this is an age of consent issue rather than a sexuality issue. I wish these cases would be considered based on age difference rather than focus so much on over/under 18. Three years should be the max, IMO. If you're more than three years apart in age and the younger person is under 18, then he/she is too young to consent, legally.

I agree. I think both components need to be included - age of consent (which I think is 16 where I am) and age gap. (I think three years or two grades in school is probably my comfort zone.)

It's sad that the parents of the younger girl are likely only using the law against the older girl because of the sexual orientation issue. But I also think it would be sad if it were any young couple. There's no way a high-school kid invloved in a consentual romance that goes too far should be on the same sexual offender list as a grown man who kidnaps and rapes little girls. It doesn't protect anybody, and it takes resources away from the more serious cases that it was designed to handle.

 

[FireDancer]

But it's not against the law in Florida; that's precisely what the Romeo and Juliet exception is for.

People keep saying that but I don't think it is true. I've seen some reporting on this case and it appears that Romeo and Juliet law does not mean what this person did isn't a crime. It just means they won't be a registered sex offender forever because they are convicted. Of course even legal "experts" in the media can be wrong so maybe that isn't true.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Florida Statute 943.04354, "Removal of the requirement to register as a sexual offender or sexual predator under certain circumstances" is commonly referred to as the "Romeo & Juliet" law. This law allows certain offenders who specifically meet the criteria of the statute to petition the court for relief from the requirement to register as a sexual offender/predator. Several criteria are specified including: the victim in the case must be between 14 and 17 years of age, is no more than four years younger than the offender and the sexual activity is consensual. The qualifying offense is the only sex crime on the offender's record requiring registration. Please see the complete statutory text (F.S. 943.04354) for further details. Top

 

[LisaR]

The story I read said the other girls' parents knew about the relationship from the get-go, and the "gay thing" WAS the problem. They tried repeatedly to have Kate expelled from school, finally making that happen a few weeks before Kate was to graduate. So they got what they wanted, Kate had to change schools for the last few weeks of her high school career, but then as soon as she turned 18, they decided they wanted more and had her arrested. They are very much trying to ruin Kate's life, not because she is 18, but because she is a female that they believe "turned" their own daughter.

Also, I read that Kate was once called in to testify in a nearly identical case. She had walked into the school bathroom to find two girls (same age difference) engaged in a sexual act. The charges in this other case were dropped. Same school, same district, same situation...very different outcome. This could have led both Kate and her GF to believe, if something were to happen to them, the charges would be dropped as well.

That isn't true at all. Kate turned 18 in August. The two did not start dating until November. Kate was arrested in February.

http://******************/article/k...her-18th-birthday-and-other-false-information

I am NOT defending the parents of the 14 y/o, however, they have not spoken publicly about this situation at all. The quotes about the 14 y/o's mom saying Kate "turned her daughter gay" are quotes coming from Kate's mom. She obviously has a heavy stake in this.

 

[cabanafrau]

I agree. I think both components need to be included - age of consent (which I think is 16 where I am) and age gap. (I think three years or two grades in school is probably my comfort zone.)

It's sad that the parents of the younger girl are likely only using the law against the older girl because of the sexual orientation issue. But I also think it would be sad if it were any young couple. There's no way a high-school kid invloved in a consentual romance that goes too far should be on the same sexual offender list as a grown man who kidnaps and rapes little girls. It doesn't protect anybody, and it takes resources away from the more serious cases that it was designed to handle.

The media has latched onto the version where the parents of the younger girl are simply upset about the same sex aspect, but as far as I've seen that's all come from the parents and supporters of the older girl. What if that's not their motivation at all? What a horrible position for them to be in if that's the case.

I do agree that we need to take a long and hard look at the application of sex offender registry requirements. I burn hotter than a thousand suns when I watch a disgusting, affluent 40-something skate past the requirements by obtaining youthful status, sometimes not for the first time for genuine pedophilia, while some 17 or 19 year olds watch their entire future slip away or escape doom by the skin of their teeth for teen hormones run amuck.

It's awful. It happens. My PSA for anyone is if you're called to serve as a juror, make a genuine and wholehearted attempt to fulfill that duty. It's important for everyone to have a good idea how our justice system really functions. The more people that do, the more accountable the system will be. Don't simply swallow these things in soundbites the media offers.

 

[MrsPete]

I agree that it's about giving consent. Regardless of the circumstances, 14 is still a baby. Too young to give consent. As for the idea that they're punished for being in love . . . Probably not. Few high school couples actually stay together, and IF this couple s the rarity, waiting to complete a sexual act wouldn't hurt, while clearly rushing in did cause harm.

Anyone who works with teens will tell you that 16 is a huge dividing line. Kids above 16 /below 16 generally do not hang out together. The maturity level is different. Oh, I don't mean they aren't friendly, nor do I mean they suddenly experience a huge jump in maturity exactly on their 16th birthdays, but by and large, high schools do divide themselves into younger and older students.

As for any Romeo and Juliet laws, let's not forget what happened to that famous couple: they ended up dead because they rashly rushed into a relationship. They married less than 24 hours after they met, then lied and hid the truth. They're not exactly a couple anyone should emulate.

 

[palmtreegirl]

Florida Statute 943.04354, "Removal of the requirement to register as a sexual offender or sexual predator under certain circumstances" is commonly referred to as the "Romeo & Juliet" law. This law allows certain offenders who specifically meet the criteria of the statute to petition the court for relief from the requirement to register as a sexual offender/predator. Several criteria are specified including: the victim in the case must be between 14 and 17 years of age, is no more than four years younger than the offender and the sexual activity is consensual. The qualifying offense is the only sex crime on the offender's record requiring registration. Please see the complete statutory text (F.S. 943.04354) for further details. Top

So it doesn't mean it isn't still a crime, just that they won't have to register? Being gay isn't an exclusion to the law. The law should be applied equally regardless of sexual orientation.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

So it doesn't mean it isn't still a crime, just that they won't have to register? Being gay isn't an exclusion to the law. The law should be applied equally regardless of sexual orientation.

Right.

 

[FireDancer]

Florida Statute 943.04354, "Removal of the requirement to register as a sexual offender or sexual predator under certain circumstances" is commonly referred to as the "Romeo & Juliet" law. This law allows certain offenders who specifically meet the criteria of the statute to petition the court for relief from the requirement to register as a sexual offender/predator. Several criteria are specified including: the victim in the case must be between 14 and 17 years of age, is no more than four years younger than the offender and the sexual activity is consensual. The qualifying offense is the only sex crime on the offender's record requiring registration. Please see the complete statutory text (F.S. 943.04354) for further details. Top

There you go. It doesn't say you won't be prosecuted for the offense or that it isn't a crime, just that you can be removed from the sex offender list after your sentence providing you meet certain criteria. It appears as though what happened in this case is against the law and if the minor presses will be prosecuted. The Romeo and Juliet law will allow Kate to petition to have herself removed from the sex offender list after her sentence is carried out.

Not saying it is right, just that it appears to be the law.

 

[moon]

The media has latched onto the version where the parents of the younger girl are simply upset about the same sex aspect, but as far as I've seen that's all come from the parents and supporters of the older girl. What if that's not their motivation at all? What a horrible position for them to be in if that's the case.

Right. Apparently the parents and supporters of the older girl have already been caught in a lie saying that Kate was 17, when in fact she was 18, and had been for a few months. We have not heard from the younger girl's parents at all.

I do agree that we need to take a long and hard look at the application of sex offender registry requirements. I burn hotter than a thousand suns when I watch a disgusting, affluent 40-something skate past the requirements by obtaining youthful status, sometimes not for the first time for genuine pedophilia, while some 17 or 19 year olds watch their entire future slip away or escape doom by the skin of their teeth for teen hormones run amuck.

I agree

It's awful. It happens. My PSA for anyone is if you're called to serve as a juror, make a genuine and wholehearted attempt to fulfill that duty. It's important for everyone to have a good idea how our justice system really functions. The more people that do, the more accountable the system will be. Don't simply swallow these things in soundbites the media offers.

WORD

 

[luvsJack]

I agree that it's about giving consent. Regardless of the circumstances, 14 is still a baby. Too young to give consent. As for the idea that they're punished for being in love . . . Probably not. Few high school couples actually stay together, and IF this couple s the rarity, waiting to complete a sexual act wouldn't hurt, while clearly rushing in did cause harm.

Anyone who works with teens will tell you that 16 is a huge dividing line. Kids above 16 /below 16 generally do not hang out together. The maturity level is different. Oh, I don't mean they aren't friendly, nor do I mean they suddenly experience a huge jump in maturity exactly on their 16th birthdays, but by and large, high schools do divide themselves into younger and older students.

As for any Romeo and Juliet laws, let's not forget what happened to that famous couple: they ended up dead because they rashly rushed into a relationship. They married less than 24 hours after they met, then lied and hid the truth. They're not exactly a couple anyone should emulate.

Now, see its not that way here at all. The kids all have friends in varying grades and ages and they do hang out together. Dances, parties, football games, etc. There is no hard and fast dividing line.

I don't think that any teen of any age should be rushing into an intimate relationship. Waiting really should always be the best option taken regardless of how old either teen is or who is or isn't past the age of consent.

 

[LisaR]

So it doesn't mean it isn't still a crime, just that they won't have to register? Being gay isn't an exclusion to the law. The law should be applied equally regardless of sexual orientation.

From what I have read, there are two separate issues to deal with.

1. The felony charges of statutory rape. She can go to trial, risk being found guilty and could be sentenced up to 15 years. Or, she can take the plea which gives her two years of house arrest and one year of probation.

2. The R & J law is separate from the above. This case would qualify. She needs to petition the judge to apply this law which would exempt her from going on the sex offender registry. At this point, there is no reason to believe that this law won't apply to this couple even though they are the same sex.

From what I understand, Kate's mom wants the felony charges dropped and wants the charges to be misdemeanors instead.

 

[robinb]

The media has latched onto the version where the parents of the younger girl are simply upset about the same sex aspect, but as far as I've seen that's all come from the parents and supporters of the older girl. What if that's not their motivation at all? What a horrible position for them to be in if that's the case.

What we do know is that the 14-year old's parents actively petitioned for Kaitlyn to be expelled from her high school and then pressed criminal charges.

As the mother of a 13-year old 8th grader I am torn. On one hand, I would not be supportive of my 14-year old freshman daughter dating an 18-year old senior. It's a bad choice for the very reason that I do not believe a 14-year old is ready for sexual relations while many 18-year olds have already crossed that bridge. While they share the same school, they are at different stages of their lives. So, I can totally understand why the parents of the 14-year old girl are upset. On the other hand, I can't help but think that the laws should not be enforced on consensual high school students. I find the fact the the 14-year old's parents have used school regulations and now the law to punish someone they consider unworthy to date their daughter disturbing. I would be curious if there was any discussion between the parents of the freshman and Kaitlyn or her parents prior to them moving to have her expelled.

 

[NaLisa]

Here's an actual news article about the case:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_...er-same-sex-underage-relationship-speaks-out/

Reaffirms my belief that this is not a gay-rights issue. Sounds like this case is being handled just the same as if it were male-female. However, the fact that it's a lesbian relationship is what has made the case so newsworthy, plus the fact that Kaitlyn's parents maintain that their daughter is being persecuted for her sexual orientation. I don't think she is, and if the state had declined to press charges after the victims' parents lodged a complaint, would we say that the victim was not being served by the law due to discrimination because she's a lesbian?

FYI, Kaitlyn's parents say their daughter was 18 when the relationship started, and the parents of the victim do not want Kaitlyn sent to prison.

Many of the statements on the FreeKate website bother me. I understand that the family wants to protect Kaitlyn, but they're going all out to paint this picture of an All-American girl who's done nothing wrong and is being persecuted due to her sexual orientation.

From the website:

Kaitlyn "is being prosecuted for 2 felony counts of “lewd and lascivious battery on a child 12--16 years of age,” because she has a girlfriend.

Kailtyn’s girlfriend’s parents are pressing charges because they are against the same-sex relationship, even though their daughter has stated that this is a consensual relationship. Kaitlyn's girlfriend’s parents blamed Kailtyn for their daughter’s homosexuality and went to the police to have charges brought against her.

Kaitlyn was a highly respected student at Florida’s Sebastian River High School with good grades and participation in cheerleading, basketball and chorus. She was even voted “most school spirit.” Now she’s been expelled from school and is facing serious felonies - all because she is in love. If convicted, she could end up in jail or live under house arrest, will have to register as a sex offender, and live her life as a convicted felon.

Our family will do everything we can to stop these people from ruining our daughter’s promising life. This is unjust and unfair - and we need your help to stop it.

FYI, I'm pretty sure she's been charged with engaging in sexual acts with a minor four years her junior, not for "being in love."

 

[disykat]

Equality means living under the same rules. It's not okay for an 18 year old boy to have sex with a 14 year old girl, so it's not okay for a girl to do so either.