Increase the age of consent to 20 with exceptions for young people 16-19

Background

The age of consent should be raised to 20, to protect young people. There should be a clause so that those aged 16-19 are not criminalised for having consensual sex below the age of consent.

Additional details

Our current age of consent law allows for an adult, of any age, to have sex with a 16 year old, however a 16 year old is still considered a child by law. This law leaves young people vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Raising the age of consent to 20 will protect young people, while having a clause so that they are not criminalised will allow them to have consensual, age appropriate sex.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.