Juneau -- The House Health, Education, and Social Services Committee Thursday passed out House Joint Resolution 36. HJR 36 rejects the conclusions in a recent article published by the American Psychological Association, conclusions which suggest that sexual relationships between adults and children might be positive for "willing" children.

Recently, the American Psychological Association (APA) published a research paper entitled, "A Meta-Analytic Examination of Assumed Properties of Child Sexual Abuse Using College Samples," on the long-term impact of child sexual abuse (CSA). This paper, by Bruce Rind (Temple University), Philip Tromovitch (University of Pennsylvania), and Robert Bauserman (University of Michigan), appears to be a rigorous literature study. Peer review has identified several questionable assumptions and methodologies in this research paper.

The APA published paper suggests, in the conclusions, that many survivors of CSA have little or no long-term effects of the abuse. The paper further suggests that for some "willing" children, sexual abuse victims may actually benefit from the experience.

"In Western culture, child protection has become an increasing concern," said Representative Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River). "State and Federal laws have been enacted to reflect the growing need to protect our children.

"In 1998, the Alaska State Legislature continued and codified more protection for our children. These laws made a clear statement that adult sexual exploitation of children is criminal and damaging," Dyson said. "Our laws now make it clear that parents who persist in molesting their children are unfit parents."

Since the article was published, the APA has vigorously tried to distance itself from the paper's conclusions. The organization maintains it has, in the past, published dozens of papers showing CSA is significantly or profoundly damaging to the victims.

"Our own state research indicates that CSA is an enormous individual and societal problem," Dyson said. "This resolution rejects some of the conclusions and suggestions in this paper. It is our desire that this paper be considered in the context of the wealth of research on this subject and that policy makers not give it more credence than it deserves.

"This article was first brought to our attention by Rep. Scott Ogan's office," Dyson said. "They first heard of it through and announcement by the Family Research Council. In addition, Dr. Laura Schlessinger has given the issue extensive attention on her nationwide radio program."