A “virtuous paedophile” has insisted he is not a risk to children because he does not act on his desires.
Tennessee man Todd Nickerson wants paedophilia to be a seen as a sexual orientation and is encouraging others to join his group to help them control their urges.
The 43-year-old runs an online forum called VirPed and claims paedophiles can live happy lives as long as they behave ethically and remain chaste.
Mr Nickerson, who says he is attracted to children as young as three, said: “I am a paedophile. I’m not a monster. I have the attraction but I don’t act on it.
“I have never ever sexually abused a child and I never will.”
The freelance graphic designer told The Sun: “Family and friends are happy for me to be around their kids.
“I don’t have that many with young kids any more – but the ones I do, they know me and know I won’t harm their kids.”
MORE ABOUT