It is a deep personal concern that the present legal age of sexual consent in Indiana is set at 16 years of age. As a community, it is our responsibility to protect our children and teenagers. Children at the tender age of 16 should never be allowed to consent to sexual activities with older adults who may manipulate and exploit them. We have observed young lives devastated and futures compromised due to this low age consent, and it is our moral responsibility to protect them. 

The state of Indiana has set the age of consent to 16. According to the Indiana Age of Consent Law found in Indiana Code IC 35-42-4-9, a person 16 years of age can legally engage in sexual activity with a person at any age older than 16. A 16 year old can consent to sexual activity with a 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, ect…year old. This is a disgrace to our society. This provision, in essence, gives adults the legal permission to exploit teenagers whose emotional maturity and understanding of the consequences are not fully developed. The Department of Justice in 2016 reported that the incidence of teenage exploitation is on the rise, registering a 7% growth in reported cases over one year. It's clear that our system needs re-evaluation.

Which brings us to the proposal we present today. We insist the age of consent in Indianapolis, IN should be raised to 18 years with a Romeo and Juliet clause implemented. This clause would allow consenting teens aged 16 and above to engage in sexual activity with someone who is within four years of their own age, preserving their right to make choices about their own body without opening avenues for adult exploitation. The change I am wanting to make to the current law would allow police to bring justice to any adult wanting to engage in sexual activity with a teenager younger than 18.  

Now is the time we reassess this law and ensure we are providing the best protection to our teenagers. Sign this petition today and join us in our mission to safeguard our youth, their futures, and the wellbeing of our community.