Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice
Make it illegal for anyone aged over 21 to have sexual relations with under 18s
Closed
31 signatures
What the petition asks
I would like to see new legislation to better protect our children who are aged 16-17 and therefore still minors. We want the Government to make it illegal for anyone over the age of 21 to have sexual relations with 16-17 olds.
We believe some young people are being unknowingly exploited by older people because it’s legal to do so.
Most 16 year olds are still in education. Technically it is legal for them to have sexual relations with a 40 year old, providing that it was consensual and that person was not in a “position of trust.” We believe this is not right, and something needs to change. Our children need better protecting in our law!
Most 16 year olds are still in education. Technically it is legal for them to have sexual relations with a 40 year old, providing that it was consensual and that person was not in a “position of trust.” We believe this is not right, and something needs to change. Our children need better protecting in our law!
Timeline
| 3 Nov 2022 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 3 May 2023 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
31
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
3 Nov 2022
Closed
3 May 2023
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.