I need an opinion on this.

That's horrible advice considering every law varies state to state, and taking federal law into consideration.

The age of consent falls under state jurisdiction. Federal law only covers specific instances, like crossing state borders specifically for sex, or US citizens having sex with minors outside of the country. So if you know your states age of consent and abide by it, you're completely fine. Just don't bring them across state (or country) borders to a state (or country) with a lower age of consent.

Some states require parents OK the relationship

No they don't. This is false, literally no states have this. The age of consent is the age of consent, the only common stipulation between states is that the older party can't be in a "position of authority" like a teacher, coach, etc. Parents have no say in the matter from a legal perspective. They can't grant or deny permission on a legal level. Stop making things up.

some states require you not be older by X years than the minor, lots of things and this is a massive gray area. It's better to leave it alone considering he could be arrested for a serious crime.

No it's not. Those are called "Romeo and Juliet" laws or "Close-in-age" exceptions, and they apply even younger. Like a 16 year old and a 14 year old. They make consensual sex between two underage parties a misdemeanor rather than a felony. The age of consent in those states is higher, and is still a blanket age of consent.

For instance, Arkansas: The age of consent is 16, with some close-in-age exemptions. Details: The age is minimum 16 for a minor (<18) with a major 20 years old or older. Under 18, the younger must not be less than 14, or if so, there is a defense if the minor is not more 4 years younger if 12 or above, not more 3 years younger if under 12. Sexual intercourse of a major and a minor under 14 is a rape.

Or, Connecticut: Connecticut recognizes that minors who are at least 13 can consent to sexual activity if (and only if) there is less than a 3-year age difference. For example: A 13-year-old can consent to any 15-year-old. A 15-year-old can consent to any 17-year-old.

Or, Georgia: The age of consent in Georgia is 16 and there is no close-in-age exception, though the offenses are a misdemeanor rather than a felony in cases where the perpetrator is less than 19 years of age and is no more than 4 years older than the victim.

Or, Hawaii: The age of consent in Hawaii is 16. There is however a close-in-age exemption, which allows those aged 14 and 15 to consent to sex with those less than five years older.

Etc., etc., etc...

/r/Advice Thread Parent