Amend the law on rape to cover all non-consensual penetration of vagina or anus

Closed 62 signatures

What the petition asks

Change the Sexual Offences Act to include any penetration of the vagina or anus. Currently rape only covers using a penis without consent to penetrate the vagina, mouth, or anus of another person. This excludes other acts of penetration, and means women cannot be charged with rape.

There is more than the weight of sentencing, there is the weight in public opinion of how serious a crime is.

We believe the current definition of rape discourages victims of other non-consensual penetration to come forward, because other sexual offences can be regarded as less serious. This can increase the fears victims have of not being taken seriously.

Timeline

15 May 2023	Petition opened for signatures
15 Nov 2023	Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 62

Status Closed

Department Ministry of Justice

Opened 15 May 2023

Closed 15 Nov 2023

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