This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament
Closed petition Change the Sexual Offences Act so women can be charged with rape
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I would like the Government to change the law that rape exclusively involves the penis. This law from 2003 invalidates many and needs to be changed. Rape should cover any non-consensual sex, whether it involves a penis or not.
The legislation (Sexual Offences Act in 2003) describes how the act of rape occurs. The law defines rape as penetration with the penis, without consent. Other sexual acts not involving the penis can only qualify as sexual assault. This definition diminishes people's experience with ‘rape’ and invalidates those who have gone through this traumatic experience. Many men and women have been 'raped' by other women, and the law should reflect this.
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This petition will stay open until 8 September 2022.