In the later years of the second Obama administration, affirmative consent was all the rage. Affirmative consent refers to the idea that “no means no” doesn’t cut it; when it comes to sex—or even kissing—all actions must be explicitly and affirmatively agreed upon.
There’s nothing wrong with affirmative consent as an ideal, though some may argue it’s the antithesis of erotic. But affirmative consent as a legal standard is unworkable and dangerous. And as a feminist standard, I think it leaves a lot to be desired too.
Alas, affirmative consent back, in the form of a very anachronistic bill in Utah.
If this bill passes it will send a lot of innocent people to prison.
I’m only half joking when I suggest getting it in writing. That would take some of the spontaneity and magic out of the moment though.
So, it will basically a “he said, she said”, or how will anyone prove what goes on in the bedroom? Oh wait, are they spying on people in their bedrooms maybe? It would be best to briefly stop any intimacy to have the partner write a note that they are consenting…..(sarcasm). That would really spoil the mood. Are they serious????
She has put this bill forward for years. The original bill put the burden of proof on the accused. For years it has gone nowhere, hopefully that stays unchanged.
This allows the State to presume guilt based on accusation, but can use that to ensure that “Nobody is wrongfully convicted” as a result, but the right people definitely will be.
Doesn’t matter what you did, only matters who you are. If you’re useful, then she definitely did provide affirmative consent and is now lying. If you’re one of the, “Enemy within” she definitely did not.