Age of consent to be reduced

[Pidge]

I think an age of consent of 16 is fair enough for teenagers of similar age, however I think the age of consent should be 18 in cases where the partner/predator is 21 or older. Any thoughts? Am I misguided because I have a daughter???

I can't say that I've thought about it much (completely open to correction), but surely once someone is having consenting sex, it doesn't really matter too much (from a legal point of view) if that person is 16, 21, or 40. What's the difference?

The only possible difference I can see is that an older person might be more manipulative, but I could be wrong.

There is an obvious difference in maturity of a 16 or 17 year old and a 21 year old. The proposal that I made (quoted above) would protect children (under 18) from predation by adults.

Right...but why does a difference in maturity effect someone who can already legally have sex? If a 17 year old can already have sex with another 17 year old, then what is more harmful if one of them has sex with a 25 year old instead?

Is there anything actually harmful there, or are we unduly imposing a sexual morality?

[Dee Four]

"rape crisis network" doesnt want it? what a load of bs. id love to know what difference 16 makes as opposed to 17.

if the government implements the 16 age that will be an incredible embrassment

during the mr.A thing mcdowell said he wanted it at 16
then ff ministers kicked up because all the old fogies in the countryside didnt like th idea of the yoof havin a bit of hows your father - and made him change it to 17
and now the whole troup of them are going to u-turn again!!

Timing. McDowell was talking about lowering the age of consent before the striking down of the statuatory rape law, but those plans were not introducd in the new legislation as it would have created problems and disunity when what was required was cross-party support for the new law.

[Limerick Lad]

Age of consent is obviously one of the most difficult things to legislate on as sexual maturity is so complex. There must obviously be an age of consent of some sort but what?
As we all have read or heard reported very young teenage pregnancies are occurring and they're obviously not immaculate conceptions, Usually in these cases it seems to be more often than not similar age couples who are responsible and should they or as would normally be the case the boy be criminalised for what was more than likely sexual curiosity.
A man in his twenties or older desiring sexual intercourse with a 15/16 year old is not only distasteful but bordering on pedophilia and any man or woman in a position of care or authority (teacher, doctor, social worker etc) who has intercourse with someone under their care or authority should be criminalised.
Perhaps there should be say a two year age difference allowed with those 14-16 and therefore those under 16 being protected from older sexual predators and sex under the age of 14 completely illegal regardless of the circumstances.

[Dee Four]

Most sex is distasteful. I demand it be legislated against.

[Gladstone]

I say we abolish it.

http://216.220.97.17/

[michael1965]

Here's an interesting angle on the debate. Some of the newspapers have been reporting on a "scandal" developing at Sunderland Football club, where three players were apparently involved in a so-called "roasting" video sex romp with a young woman.

Well, it turns out that the young woman in question, was sixteen years old (according to Gerry Ryan this morning).

So, what those creeps did might be currently illegal in this country, but with the government's change, to reduce the age of consent, it will be perfectly legal. Professional footballers could hardly be described as in a position of authority, so that half-baked exception wouldn't apply.

[Pidge]

So, what those creeps did might be currently illegal in this country, but with the government's change, to reduce the age of consent, it will be perfectly legal. Professional footballers could hardly be described as in a position of authority, so that half-baked exception wouldn't apply.

So you'd be okay with what happened if she was 17?

[michael1965]

So, what those creeps did might be currently illegal in this country, but with the government's change, to reduce the age of consent, it will be perfectly legal. Professional footballers could hardly be described as in a position of authority, so that half-baked exception wouldn't apply.

So you'd be okay with what happened if she was 17?

No, I wouldn't. Even if she was 18, I wouldn't be happy with it, but I would accept it was legal, so long as she consented.

My point is that with the pressures and influences that teenagers are under today, it is more justifiable to move the age of consent the other direction. I think it is totally wrong to reduce it.

[WestOfCentre]

What is the rationale behind lowering the age of consent?

What is hoped this will achieve?

[BelfastSpark]

While I see the need for the de-criminalisation of young people having sex with young people below the age of consent, this is very much open to abuse. Most cildren of this age are too young to make a decision of this nature. Many are pessurised into doing things because they want to feel loved or respected. While Im not suggessting 16 year olds arent responsible, I think we lay too much of a responsibilty at their feet, particularily in our society where sex is a marketed product that pervades every area of one's life. 16 year olds are still children and should be protected.

I think an age of consent of 16 is fair enough for teenagers of similar age, however I think the age of consent should be 18 in cases where the partner/predator is 21 or older. Any thoughts? Am I misguided because I have a daughter???

Yes Cael you are Right, at 16 or 17 children are 'experimenting' together at similiar age, its what gives them the responsibilty and experiance when their older and in relationships. your absolutely right the age of consent should be higher when the partner or predator is 21 i would go further and raise it to 25, lets just remember that at 16 their still children, sex is not a sign of maturity with 16 year olds, its just that they can.