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This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament

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Closed Make it illegal for anyone aged over 21 to have sexual relations with under 18s

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I would like to see new legislation to better protect our children who are aged 16-17 and therefore still minors. We want the Government to make it illegal for anyone over the age of 21 to have sexual relations with 16-17 olds.

We believe some young people are being unknowingly exploited by older people because it’s legal to do so.

Most 16 year olds are still in education. Technically it is legal for them to have sexual relations with a 40 year old, providing that it was consensual and that person was not in a “position of trust.” We believe this is not right, and something needs to change. Our children need better protecting in our law!

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    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 3 May 2023.