Changes

On June 26, 1997, Peter Tatchell wrote a letter to The Guardian newspaper defending a book ''Dares to Speak'' published by the Gay Men’s Press, that advocated pedophilia. He wrote that the book was ‘courageous’. It documented ‘examples of societies where consenting inter-generational sex is considered normal’. He gave an example of a New Guinea tribe where ‘all young boys have sex with older warriors as part of their initiation into manhood’ and allegedly grow up to be ‘happy, well-adjusted husbands and fathers’. [NB In the society described in this book, the men live apart from the women and have the minimal contact with them, regarding them as inferior and so disgusting even their smell must be avoided at all costs. The ethnic group is very small in numbers, and has remained extremely primitive, living at a stone-age level of civilization.] Tatchell’s letter asserted that sex or sodomy between adults and children as young as nine was normal and did no harm.

On June 26, 1997, Peter Tatchell wrote a letter to The Guardian newspaper defending a book ''Dares to Speak'' published by the Gay Men’s Press, that advocated pedophilia. He wrote that the book was ‘courageous’. It documented ‘examples of societies where consenting inter-generational sex is considered normal’. He gave an example of a New Guinea tribe where ‘all young boys have sex with older warriors as part of their initiation into manhood’ and allegedly grow up to be ‘happy, well-adjusted husbands and fathers’. [NB In the society described in this book, the men live apart from the women and have the minimal contact with them, regarding them as inferior and so disgusting even their smell must be avoided at all costs. The ethnic group is very small in numbers, and has remained extremely primitive, living at a stone-age level of civilization.] Tatchell’s letter asserted that sex or sodomy between adults and children as young as nine was normal and did no harm.

“The positive nature of some child-adult relations is not confined to non-Western cultures. Several of my friends – gay and straight, male and female – had sex with adults from the ages of 9 to 13. None feel they were abused. All say it was their conscious choice and gave them great joy. While it may be impossible to condone paedophilia, it is time society acknowledged the truth that not all sex involving children is unwanted, abusive and harmful,” said Tatchell. He did not name these "friends" but left himself open to speculation that he could be one of them.

“The positive nature of some child-adult relations is not confined to non-Western cultures. Several of my friends – gay and straight, male and female – had sex with adults from the ages of 9 to 13. None feel they were abused. All say it was their conscious choice and gave them great joy. While it may be impossible to condone paedophilia, it is time society acknowledged the truth that not all sex involving children is unwanted, abusive and harmful,” said Tatchell. He did not name these "friends" but left himself open to speculation that he could be one of them.

In 1998, Tatchell wrote an obituary in the Independent for '''Ian Campbell Dunn''', co-founder and leader of PIE describing him as a hero. Tatchell wrote “''IAN DUNN was a pioneer for lesbian and gay human rights, remaining a central figure in the battle for homosexual equality - in Scotland and internationally - for 30 years... In 1974, he and Derek Ogg convened the International Gay Rights Congress in Edinburgh - the first post-war conference of homosexual emancipation movements from around the world. This congress led to the formation of the International Lesbian & Gay Association (ILGA). Now a global federation of 400 gay rights groups in 60 countries, ILGA has played a pivotal role in getting gay equality.''”  Dunn was jailed in 1984 in the UK for his pedophile activities.

In 1998, Tatchell wrote an obituary in the Independent for '''Ian Campbell Dunn''', co-founder and leader of PIE describing him as a hero. Tatchell wrote “''IAN DUNN was a pioneer for lesbian and gay human rights, remaining a central figure in the battle for homosexual equality - in Scotland and internationally - for 30 years... In 1974, he and Derek Ogg convened the International Gay Rights Congress in Edinburgh - the first post-war conference of homosexual emancipation movements from around the world. This congress led to the formation of the International Lesbian & Gay Association (ILGA). Now a global federation of 400 gay rights groups in 60 countries, ILGA has played a pivotal role in getting gay equality.''”  Dunn was jailed in 1984 in the UK for his pedophile activities.

Tatchell continues to campaign tirelessly for the abolition of the age of consent, writing articles about it and making speeches on the radio.  

Tatchell continues to campaign tirelessly for the abolition of the age of consent, writing articles about it and making speeches on the radio.  

In the Irish Independent newspaper on 10 March 2008 he repeated his call for a lower age of consent.

In the Irish Independent newspaper on 10 March 2008 he repeated his call for a lower age of consent.

==References==

==References==