Major Reform Of NI Sex Laws

A radical overhaul of the law surrounding sexual offences came into force in Northern Ireland today.

The tougher new penalties will see kerb crawling and prostitution outlawed, and a maximum life sentence for the perpetrators of rape and serious sexual assaults.

The age of consent has been lowered to 16, in line with the rest of the UK.

Justice Minister Paul Goggins said the new laws were designed to protect the most vulnerable in society.

The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order, passed through both Houses of Parliament last year and brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK in terms of legislation for sexual crime legislation.

Mr Goggins said: "The introduction of these new laws is the first major overhaul of sexual offences legislation in Northern Ireland for more than a century.

"The new legislation clearly sets out the parameters of acceptable sexual activity in a modern society and clearly states what the law will not tolerate.

"The law puts victims first. They are designed to protect everyone - adults, as well as children and vulnerable people - from abuse and exploitation."

The Northern Ireland Office Minister added: "The Order also sets the age of consent at 16 - in line with the rest of the UK. This defines the age in law at which a criminal offence takes place even when consent is given.

"The introduction of these new laws is a further instrument in government’s commitment to continue with the widespread programme of criminal justice reform," he said.

Further information and easy to read guidance on what the new Sexual Offences means for Northern Ireland can be found on the NIO website:

www.nio.gov.uk/sexualoffences

(PR/BMcC)