I think this kind of thing happens because some people are just cruel and want an excuse to commit their atrocities, and then they invent crazy laws just so they can have sexual pleasure from lashing people and putting people in prisons.
You know, I think I would actually get sexual pleasure from lashing a young girl. But not like, until she bleeds, but more like a couple of times. She'd have to be tied up and gagged, though.
edit: oh yeah, she'd have to be like 14-15