Permit sex at age 14, Sweden urged

From Wire Reports

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STOCKHOLM, Sweden A special government committee yesterday proposed that sexual intercourse as early as age 14 be permitted in Sweden without the possibility of punishment, that the ancient taboo against incest be abolished and that the separate legal treatment of homosexual acts be ended.

The committee of experts was headed by Bjoern Kjellin, chief appeals justice of Malmoe.

In a final report it recommended that the permissible age for sexual intercourse be lowered from 15 to 14. The committee pointed to the more tolerant attitudes toward sex in society today, and noted that the age of puberty is

Panel also would end incest taboo ancient incest taboo

lower than before and that many youths now make "their sexual debut before 15" without being prosecuted.

The committee recommended the lifting of prohibitions that are of a moralizing character and the accenting of protection of the individu-

al.

In stressing protection, the committee would bar sex relations between an adult and a minor under age 18 who is under the adult's

care.

The committee was not impressed by the "genetic and ethical reasons" usually cited against incest and would treat such sex acts

between brother and sister or child and parent the same as any other sex act. The age limit of 14 (18 for dependents) would apply.

The committee proposed dropping the separate laws governing homosexual acts; offenses would be prosecuted under the laws that govern heterosexual acts. This would mean lowering the present 18-year age limit on homosexual relations to 14 under the committee's proposal.

The committee would retain prohibitions on sexual violence, acts dangerous to children and the financial exploitation of prostitutes.