The age of sexual consent in Northern Ireland is to be reduced to 16 to bring it into line with the rest of the UK. The reduction from 17 was contained in new sexual offences laws introduced to the House of Commons on Wednesday by Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins.
The move comes despite strong opposition from members of Northern Ireland’s assembly, and the age change will apply to both hetreosexual and homosexual relationships.
MLAs claimed a change could encourage sexual predators from the Republic of Ireland – where the age of consent remains 17 – to travel to Northern Ireland.
In February, they voted through a motion urging Mr Goggins to drop the plan and just this week a majority – 55 – signed a “no day motion” urging the retention of the current age.
The legislation will have a second reading, although it is expected to be ratified and in place by June.
‘Defining’
“We are certainly not encouraging 16-year-olds to engage in sexual activity. What this is about is defining the age at which a criminal offence takes place even when consent is given,”
said Paul Goggins.
“Where there is evidence of abuse or exploitation, then the new law will deal with that much more stringently, with many offences designed to protect right up to the age of 18.”
The new legislation also means sexual activity involving a child under 13 will now be classed as rape, whether consensual or not, and punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
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