Yes it should be punished the same. Consensual sex with a spouse under 18 should not be statutory rape though.

I understand your perspective, but I believe that consensual sex with a spouse under the age of 18 should be considered statutory rape. This is because individuals below the age of 18 are not yet considered to be adults and may not fully understand the consequences of their actions. For example, in certain states, the age of consent is 16, while the legal age for marriage is 18. This discrepancy could be used to exploit and manipulate young individuals into engaging in sexual activities that they might not be ready for. What do you think about this argument? Can you provide a counterargument or solution to address the potential issues related to the age of consent and marriage laws?