Petition · past parliament

Reformation of the Sexual Offences Act of 2003.

Rejected 18 signatures

What the petition asks

The Sexual Offences Act of 2003 is a law which discriminates heavily against men and excludes women, describing the act of rape as something only a man is capable of. As we strive for equality, it's only fitting and fair that women be held to the same standards and laws as men.
As we enter this new age of equality between the sexes and gender identities, it's only fitting and fair that women be held accountable for acts equally as damaging physically and mentally to men, as it is to women. It's our firm belief that rape should refer to any non consensual sexual acts, be it by force, intoxication, intimidation, blackmail or any other means which forces an unwilling participant into the act.

The section in question:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/section/1

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

Timeline

2 Feb 2017 Petition opened for signatures
8 Feb 2017 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 18
Status Rejected
Rejected 8 Feb 2017

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.