The Intersection of Libertarianism, Youth Rights, and the Age of Decision-Making
When discussing the age at which minors should be allowed to make all their own decisions, it is important to understand that this topic is not solely within the domain of libertarianism. Rather, it predominantly falls under the Youth Rights movement. Though libertarians often share a stance on the principles of non-intervention, there are varying views among libertarians regarding the rights of minors.
Libertarian Views on Age Restrictions
Most libertarians recognize the societal age restrictions, such as the age of majority being set at 18 years old, as a necessary framework for society. This point of view is often shared by individuals with different political ideologies, who generally agree that individuals should be able to make their own decisions and live independently once they reach the age of 18.
Libertarians may believe that beyond a certain age, such as 20, youth is considered fully mature in a legal and practical sense, aligning with biblical teachings (Numbers 14:29-33) for some. However, within the libertarian community, the specific age at which youth can make all decisions is often a topic of debate.
Rule of Non-Aggression (NAP) Examples
The Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) guides the decision-making process of many libertarians. Under this principle, a minor can make reasonable decisions like joining an amateur sports team or any other benign actions. However, more drastic actions, such as engaging in illegal activities (e.g., drug use, sex change procedures), would typically require a higher age limit, often 21, which is the highest possible legal age restriction in many jurisdictions.
The focus here is on individual autonomy and the minimization of government intervention. The age of decision-making is seen not as a concrete number but rather as a guideline based on the potential harm and societal impact of the actions in question.
The Libertarian Movement
The Libertarian Movement is primarily concerned with reducing the size of government in various areas such as federal agencies, tax reform, gun rights protection, and the reduction or elimination of government involvement in education, healthcare, the economy, and social issues. The topic of the age of decision-making for minors is not a consistent policy for all libertarians and remains a subject of discussion and debate within the movement.
Advocacy and Movements
While libertarians may sometimes advocate for a reduced role of government in the lives of minors, the Youth Rights Movement is a distinct political movement that focuses specifically on reducing or abolishing age restrictions on adult activities such as drinking alcohol, purchasing cigarettes, and voting. This movement campaigns against compulsory schooling and other specific restrictions placed on minors by society and the government.
The Youth Rights Movement is generally nonpartisan, although its advocates tend to be socially liberal and often share libertarian values. The movement seeks to increase the independence and rights of young people, challenging current age-based restrictions. As a result, the libertarian position on youth rights often aligns with these movements, especially when it comes to issues like compulsory schooling and child labor laws.
In conclusion, while the Libertarian Movement provides a framework for understanding the age of decision-making, there is no unified opinion among all libertarians on this matter. The Youth Rights Movement provides a distinct and broader perspective, advocating for the rights of teenagers and minors under the age of 18 or 21. As a Christian, my stance is based on biblical teachings, particularly that the age of adulthood is recognized as 20 years old (Numbers 14:29-33).