I remember my sister's boyfriend once saying to me that youngsters should be allowed to have sex as young as sixteen; I was horrified at the notion not least because I was a Salafi at the time, and the prospect of casual relationships between boys and girls was completely out of the equation- let alone letting them romp about in bed.
This conversation between him and I occurred a few years ago. Reflecting back on it now however, I find it extremely difficult and somewhat hypocritical to justify my opposition to young people having sex at sixteen (or perhaps younger depending on their level of maturity).
This question isn't one of religion, because Muslims too can have sexual relations as young as sixteen provided its done within the boundaries of marriage ( which raises a further question, as to the age limit that ought to be set for marriage).
Nor is this a question of legality, but rather a moral and ethical one. After all isnÂ’t sex a physical urge that ought to be gratified just as any other physical need?
Would you for example be tolerant of your child (if you choose to have any) having safe sex at sixteen?
