Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice
Change the Sexual Offences Act so women can be charged with rape against others
Closed
312 signatures
What the petition asks
We would like the Government to bring the Sexual Offences laws into the 21st century and make the crime of "Rape" gender-neutral as regards both victim and perpetrator. These changes are necessary to show that we take female sexual predators seriously and fully support all victims, including men.
The law is being misused. Gender-critical feminists point to the gendered definition to say "Women can't be rapists" and "Not our crimes". They claim victory on a technicality: female predators can't technically be called "rapists" and this must change.
Section 4 of the Sexual Offences Act, which is used for female rapists, is far more lenient; the minimum sentence is a Community Order as opposed to 4 years for Rape.
The law is too vague; are trans men included? Does a prosthetic penis count?
Section 4 of the Sexual Offences Act, which is used for female rapists, is far more lenient; the minimum sentence is a Community Order as opposed to 4 years for Rape.
The law is too vague; are trans men included? Does a prosthetic penis count?
Timeline
| 19 Oct 2022 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 19 Apr 2023 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
312
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
19 Oct 2022
Closed
19 Apr 2023
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.