Originally Posted by
GoingAway
Can you get back on topic - how should a child/parent handle the situation? They want (and stupid enough, will) fly that day, so what should be done? I would think one of the things, esp if the child looks older than she is to make it clear to the TSO that that is a minor of X age they are about to touch. Perhaps, ask for a LEO or supervisor to observe to ensure the policy is followed and doesn't go further than it should for the child. Make it difficult for them, make it clear you are unhappy, but don't take it to the extent you'd be denied boarding/access or risk an arrest
In AUS, I would provide them with a copy of this:
Texas Penal Code - Section 22.011. Sexual Assault
Sec. 22.011. Sexual Assault.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person:
...
(2) intentionally or knowingly:
(A) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of a child by any means;
(B) causes the penetration of the mouth of a child by the sexual organ of the actor;
(C) causes the sexual organ of a child to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor;
(D) causes the anus of a child to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor; or
(E) causes the mouth of a child to contact the anus or sexual organ of another person, including the actor.
(b) A sexual assault under Subsection (a)(1) is without the consent of the other person if:
...
(8) the actor is a public servant who coerces the other person to submit or participate;
...
In addition:
1) "I need to fly today, so I won't stop you if you say this is the only way we will be allowed to fly. But I believe what you are doing is illegal and I reserve my and my child's rights with respect to any violation"
2) I would require that a law officer serve as the witness of my choice
3) I would insist on videotaping the patdown.
In AUS, between the city council trying to ban advanced imaging and Governor 'Washington is Evil and Texas Should Secede' Perry, I think the parent would not be prosecuted for anything, and the TSO might be prosecuted.
I don't want to argue about the significance of the statistics, but I do want to point out that zero is different from non-zero. Scott Adams said it best:
http://dilbert.com/strips/comic/1994-04-08
