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Open Increase the age of consent to 20 with exceptions for young people 16-19

Created by Helen Boxall
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The age of consent should be raised to 20, to protect young people. There should be a clause so that those aged 16-19 are not criminalised for having consensual sex below the age of consent.

Our current age of consent law allows for an adult, of any age, to have sex with a 16 year old, however a 16 year old is still considered a child by law. This law leaves young people vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Raising the age of consent to 20 will protect young people, while having a clause so that they are not criminalised will allow them to have consensual, age appropriate sex.

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    This petition will stay open until 21 November 2026.