So which definitions of each term are the people in question conforming to?
In my opinion they could quite easily be in both camps depending on the definition used for their behaviour. (Ah semantics are fun aren't they?)
con⋅sent
[kuh
n-sent]
1. to permit, approve, or agree; comply or yield (often fol. by to or an infinitive): He consented to the proposal. We asked her permission, and she consented.
2. Archaic. to agree in sentiment, opinion, etc.; be in harmony.
–noun 3. permission, approval, or agreement; compliance; acquiescence: He gave his consent to the marriage.
4. agreement in sentiment, opinion, a course of action, etc.: By common consent he was appointed official delegate.
5. Archaic. accord; concord; harmony.
Origin:
1175–1225; (v.) ME consenten < AF, OF consentir < L consentīre (see
consensus ); (n.) ME < AF, OF, n. deriv. of the v.
Related forms:
con⋅sent⋅er, noun
con⋅sent⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
dis⋅sent
[di-sent]
1. to differ in sentiment or opinion, esp. from the majority; withhold assent; disagree (often fol. by from): Two of the justices dissented from the majority decision.
2. to disagree with the methods, goals, etc., of a political party or government; take an opposing view.
3. to disagree with or reject the doctrines or authority of an established church.
–noun 4. difference of sentiment or opinion.
5.
dissenting opinion.
6. disagreement with the philosophy, methods, goals, etc., of a political party or government. 7. separation from an established church, esp. the Church of England; nonconformity.
Origin:
1400–50; late ME dissenten (< MF dissentir) < L dissentīre, equiv. to dis-
dis- 1 + sentīre to feel
Related forms:
dis⋅sent⋅ing⋅ly, adverb