Taking the mystery out of obtaining consent

I’m wondering how the new “affirmative consent” standard adopted by California in 2015 and by an increasing number of colleges around the country is working out so far. It basically says that a college student must obtain consent from an awake, sober person before having sex, or risk having that sex be considered an assault.

It doesn’t sound too complicated to me, but some people seem to think so. Here’s an excellent explanation from blogger Rockstar Dinosaur Pirate Princess, who brilliantly says, “If you’re still struggling, just imagine instead of initiating sex, you’re making them a cup of tea.”

The rest is very much worth reading here, perhaps over a cup of tea.

I’ll be watching to see if affirmative consent standards lead to fewer or more complaints of sexual assault, and more or fewer Title IX complaints based on how college officials handle things. Interesting times.