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This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament

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Closed Change the Sexual Offences Act so women can be charged with rape against others

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We would like the Government to bring the Sexual Offences laws into the 21st century and make the crime of "Rape" gender-neutral as regards both victim and perpetrator. These changes are necessary to show that we take female sexual predators seriously and fully support all victims, including men.

The law is being misused. Gender-critical feminists point to the gendered definition to say "Women can't be rapists" and "Not our crimes". They claim victory on a technicality: female predators can't technically be called "rapists" and this must change.

Section 4 of the Sexual Offences Act, which is used for female rapists, is far more lenient; the minimum sentence is a Community Order as opposed to 4 years for Rape.

The law is too vague; are trans men included? Does a prosthetic penis count?

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    This petition will stay open until 19 April 2023.