Consensual Sex Convictions Expunged in the UK

According to the UK newspaper The Telegraph, BP minister Theresa Maysays gay men who were convicted of having consensual sex with those over the age of 16 will have their criminal records expunged. Not only will this news be a surprise to many who have long advocated that since the legal age for consensual sex was lowered to 16 in 2000, thus gay men should not be charged when the sex is consensual, but because May is a Conservative who has supported expunging the records and will be retroactive.

The move as reported is part of the Coalition’s new cross-government program which tackles discrimination against LGBTs. Those who have advocated the change have said those who have been charged in the past would not be charged nor prosecuted today as consensual law now stands and has for now eleven years.

May told The Telegraph, “It’s not fair that a man can be branded a criminal because 30 years ago he had consensual sex with another man.”

“As a Government we have made clear our determination to take concerted action to tear down barriers to equal opportunities and to build a fairer society.”

On other topics, May discussed ending homphobic bullying in schools and start work to allow same-sex couples to register their relationships in a religious setting.

May said: “It’s not fair that too many children still suffer at the hands of homophobic bullies because schools lack the support they need to tackle it.”

May also said there will be a first ever action plan targeted to improve the lives of transgendered people.

Ben Summerskill, chief executive of campaign group Stonewall told The Telegraph: “This program of work includes some of the most pressing areas where action is required in order to continue to secure equality for gay people in Britain.”

Contributed by Lyndon Evans and cross-posted at: Focus On The Rainbow – Opine!

June 17, 2010 by Gay Agenda News Team