Why UK sexual offences law turns on consent and age, not marriage
In short
The age of consent is 16 throughout the United Kingdom. In England and Wales, section 9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 makes sexual activity by an adult with a child under 16 an offence, with stricter rules for children under 13. Modern law protects consent and children rather than punishing sex outside marriage, which is no longer a crime.
What the full article will cover
- What is the age of consent in each UK nation?
- How did the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 raise it?
- What does the Sexual Offences Act 2003 say?
- Why does marriage no longer matter in sexual offences law?
- What protections exist for 16 and 17-year-olds?
Frequently asked questions
- Has the age of consent always been 16?
- Is the age of consent the same in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
- Can 16-year-olds still marry in England?
- What is a position of trust offence?
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/section/9
- legislation.gov.uk — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2009/9/section/28
- legislation.gov.uk — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/2008/1769/article/16
- legislation.gov.uk — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/contents
- legislation.gov.uk — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/48-49/69/contents
General information, not legal or religious advice.