A Liberal Defense of Sex Exceptionalism

Sex exceptionalism is the view that sex is to be evaluated in morally different terms than other activities. Liberals seem to be hesitant to say that the state may affirm sex exceptionalism. However, as I argue, many liberal states are committed to sex exceptionalism in virtue of the fact that they treat the crime of rape as a crime of special status. Is there a philosophical basis for the liberal state’s doing this? In this essay, I argue yes—that liberals may hold that the state may affirm sex exceptionalism and still be bona fide liberals. I call these liberals, New Old Liberals.