Make it illegal for people over 18 to have sexual relations with under 18s

Closed 56 signatures

What the petition asks

The age of consent should be kept at 16 but the Government should make it an offence for anyone over the age of 18 to have sexual relations with under 18s, as we believe 16 year olds are not mature enough to be able to consent to such activities with older people.

We believe that many 16 year olds lack the knowledge of adulthood, responsibilities and social understanding and as a result can be at risk of being groomed and convinced to do things they might not really want to do.

A 16 year old dating a 30 year old is completely legal in the eyes of the law, unless they are in a position of trust. Many children over the age of 16 are easy targets for older people, especially if they have mental health problems or disabilities.

Timeline

19 Oct 2021	Petition opened for signatures
19 Apr 2022	Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 56

Status Closed

Department Ministry of Justice

Opened 19 Oct 2021

Closed 19 Apr 2022

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