Petition Change the law so women can be prosecuted for rape under the relevant Act

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 states that only a man can commit rape. However, women can use other parts of the body to penetrate another person and use a male to penetrate themselves. Therefore, I think all penetration should be included in section 1 of the Act.

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Currently, a woman can only be charged with other sexual offences. While some of these offences carry the same maximum sentence as rape, I think the law is highly discriminatory as it’s very phallocentric. The woman may be charged with what some consider a lesser offence as it isn't possible for them to be charged for rape. I believe this is not appropriate and unfair to victims.

This petition closed early because of a General Election Find out more on the Petitions Committee website

59 signatures

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10,000

Date closed 30 May 2024
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