Eddie Long: Should we Litigate Sex?

There is probably a lot to say about "Bishop" Eddie Long and his ministry in Atlanta from all sides of the fence

. Frankly, he's most likely a huge scumbag and his ministry perhaps nothing more than a way for him to gain power, get rich and get laid. One could make the argument that many people in positions of power and authority, that is the main reason they gain power, including religious figures. That being said, unless there is something specifically illegal, what basis do these two young men have to sue Eddie Long? Since when was consensual sex worthy of litigation?

First of all, let's make this very clear: none of the allegations claim that these men were under age that they were victims of something illegal- which is why there are no criminal charges involved. The allegations are simple: These two young men claim that as members of Eddie Long's Church, they became close to the Bishop and during that time, they were "pressured" into having sexual relations. Their claim is that because of Mr. Bishops perceived authority spiritually, that there was somehow an improper relationship and because of that, they are entitled to monetary compensation. This in itself is patently ridiculous.

Our legal system makes certain assumptions regarding people: that most people are able over the age of 18 to make decisions for themselves, their lives. Once you turn 18 we are considered adults, with all the privileges and responsibilities of an adult. Part of that is the ability to make choices of your sexual partners. There are many reasons that people have sex with other people, from perceived power, authority, beauty and fame. Many women and men attach themselves romantically and sexually to those in power and whether or not that is moral or ethical, it's perfectly legal.

Despite Eddie Long being a "bishop" or a preacher, whatever you want to call him, the same rules apply to him. In our country, legally, spiritual leaders have no legal authority any different than any other person. Their influence is nothing more than that influence based on perceived religious authority is no different than authority based on good-looks, charm, power, money, you name it. Again, he may be a royal scumbag, but if he uses his position as a religious figure to get laid, that is really his prerogative legally. On top of that, the idea that his job and relationship to parishioners means that they can't act like adults and make decisions on their own, goes against the whole legal system and definition of an adult.

Eddie Long is only accused of having sex with adults. Those adults are expected to be able to make their own decisions in our society on who they have sex with. Sex is always filled with pressure, whether it's a boyfriend threatening to leave unless he gets sex, or perhaps religious pressure to marry someone you just met. As adults, we are expected to be able to navigate those decisions and decide for ourselves what is best. Litigating that decision is just plain silly.

Eddie Long: Should we Litigate Sex?

By: Pace Lattin

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