Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice

Amend the legal definition of rape so women can be charged with rape

Closed 118 signatures

What the petition asks

Rape is a crime that is most commonly committed by men against women, however it can also be against men, boys and any other genders. In the current social climate, we have come on massively striving for equality, but the fact a woman cannot be charged with rape is unfair.
Current UK legislation can lead to men and other genders feeling invalidated and could cause mental health issues due to not being believed or being classed as a victim.

We believe this should be changed.

Timeline

28 May 2021 Petition opened for signatures
28 Nov 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 118
Status Closed
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 28 May 2021
Closed 28 Nov 2021

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