Is Pedophilia a Sexual Orientation?

In this article, I address the question of whether pedophilia in men can be construed as a male sexual orientation, and the
implications for thinking of it in this way for scientific research, clinical practice, and public policy. I begin by defining
pedophilia and sexual orientation, and then compare pedophilia (as a potential sexual orientation with regard to age) to sexual
orientations with regard to gender (heterosexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality), on the bases of age of onset, correlations
with sexual and romantic behavior, and stability over time. I conclude with comments about the potential social and legal
implications of conceptualizing pedophilia as a type of sexual orientation in males.