Fine, I choose a political and social viewpoint that does not let me accept the existence of a race of people. It is my liberal right to do so is it not?
In addition. Locke also profited from slave trade.. should I do the same?
I think the how the question was formed is suspect as well.
The definition of Liberalism has been in flux. John Locke is now quoted by conservatives in America and Europe (Tories) in a free market context.
And there cannot be a western type 'liberal' parties that gives a more progressive social attitudes and be wary of free trade.
Individual pursuit of liberty and happiness. While you may not committ genocide as it violates another Person's right to happiness. Same with the slave trade.
The example of the 13 year old girl, again Human conceptions of sexual relations have always be in flux.
So has notions of liberalism.
I think the right question to ask is, why there are no broad selection of parties. The answer might be that currently lot of parties like the PPP don't see a need to.
They can do that by being the champions of the poor.
This age is not fixed by mullah, but it is fixed by someone right? Who will decide about child's psychology?
This maybe an inadequate response, but usually a culture does. Even when you set the legal age, lack of enforce-ability means that you have child marriages happening in India and Yemen.
You also have to consider whether it is mere sexual gratification or procreation. If 15 year olds get preganant, and give birth, there is medical evidence to prove that there can be damage to the physiology. An example is lancet, where a girl in their teens having to live as a single mother is in most cases is emotionally incapable to do so.
Also in the modern world, our dependency age is elongated through our pursuit of studies. Having a child, and raising it means impoverishment.
I think the age of consent is seen through a complex matrix of cultural sanction, economic dependency and biological evidence.
But relations, consensual happens even outside of this frequently. And the participants quite frequently, have fulfilling lives.
Why is this thread turning from a Political debate into a debate about Pedophilia... Lets stay on topic please.
Oops. didn't see this post.