Yes, but the idea that the age of consent laws of the US are some immutable truth that nobody should even look critically at, not even as an intellectual exerci

Yes, but the idea that the age of consent laws of the US are some immutable truth that nobody should even look critically at, not even as an intellectual exercise, is just ludicrous. Laws are laws, not universal or even local truths. I can understand that it's an emotive subject but it seems like it's just become the lazy man's way of giving yourself a moral pat on the back, or attacking someone. Here in Australia the age of consent is 16. Are we all irredeemabke paedophiles for not agreeing with your laws? Conversely if someome lived somewhere where the age of consent were 20, would they be a disgusting predator if they suggested that 18 is sensible? Give it a rest.