Petition · past parliament
Reform the Sexual Offences Act so women can be charged with rape against others.
Rejected
9 signatures
What the petition asks
We want the government to redefine and degender rape under the Sexual Offences Act to encompass acts of rape outside of penetration and the insinuation that men are the sole perpetrators, meaning women can also be charged with rape against others.
Currently, under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, women can only be charged with sexual assault, meaning they receive less severe imprisonment, only for up to ten years. The act recognises men can be the victims of sexual activity without consent in section four but does not classify such acts as rape in section one. Furthermore, in most sections, the perpetrator is referred to as 'he', further perpetuating this idea that men are the only perpetrators of rape or assault.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
You may wish to sign this petition which calls for the same action: Change the law so women can be prosecuted for rape under the relevant Act
Timeline
| 22 Apr 2024 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 29 Apr 2024 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
9
Status
Rejected
Rejected
29 Apr 2024
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.