I generally understand the argument of "let the pedophiles be pedophiles online rather than in real life". It is less immediately damaging and while backed by lawyers might be deemed questionably legal (yet still distasteful).
However, logically you have to ask yourself the following questions...
By providing the role of a minor in a TS scene, are you..
- ...contributing to pedophilia in a way that could result in it being taken to RL? Could doing so result in unexpected damage to strangers?
- ...providing an outlet for a predator who is on the National Sex Offender Registry for sexually abusing a minor?
- ...partaking in a loggable scene of minor-on-adult sexual roleplay that could be stored on the same hard drive alongside child pornography and could become evidence in a felony?
By providing the role of an adult in a TS scene with a minor, are you...
- ...roleplaying with a child?
- ...roleplaying with an investigator?
- ...breaking the law?
- ...creating a paper-trail for your pedophilia?
No matter how it's cut, it's not pretty. It's not something the community at large supports. While YES the immediate physical damages are less when you're an iPedophile, the truth remains that by arguing its right to exist you are providing a don't-ask-don't-tell zone where sexual abuse of minors could literally be taking place on your game. I think it's fucked up that more people aren't on board for trying to keep that out of the hobby.
By running/owning a playspace that allows depicted sex with minors are you...
- ...breaking the law?
- ...hosting logs of live action grooming of an OOC minor having a rendezvous with an adult who is grooming them?
- ...providing a haven for sex offenders?
- ...placing your safety and legality at status due to owning creating a space that allows this to happen?
- ...actually comfortable with the concept that you allow depictions of sexual interludes with minors in a way that you wouldn't lose any sleep if someone reported your game to a watchdog group or investigator?
I suppose this could be tested. Has anyone consulted the Internet Watch Foundation as to whether or not this qualifies?