Petition · Ministry of Justice
Prevent Sex Offenders from Applying for Removal from the Sex Offenders Register
Closed
163 signatures
What the petition asks
In July 2012, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 was amended to allow certain convicted sex offenders to apply for removal from the Sex Offenders Register 15 years after release. I respectfully urge this amendment be repealed to protect the public.
I believe sexual offences fundamentally breach victims’ human rights, particularly Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment. Article 3 requires public authorities to prevent such treatment and protect individuals from others who do. I believe allowing removal inherently reduces victim protection and enables reoffending risk, ultimately failing the obligation to protect victims.
While removal may interfere with the offender’s Article 8 right to private life, I believe this interference is justified and necessary, and does not amount to a breach, as I believe the protection of victims outweighs the offenders' rights.
While removal may interfere with the offender’s Article 8 right to private life, I believe this interference is justified and necessary, and does not amount to a breach, as I believe the protection of victims outweighs the offenders' rights.
Timeline
| 30 May 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 30 Nov 2025 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
163
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
30 May 2025
Closed
30 Nov 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 9 Aug 2026.