[Oliver_W]

Originally Posted by Soldier Boy

You're never going to stop kids from experimenting but yes IMO it should be a hard limit of 18 if engaging in sexual activity with anyone over the age of 21. Under 18 decriminalised IF both people are around the same age - which wouldn't make it legal, but would stop daft things like a 19 year old ending up on the sex offenders register for having a 17 year old boy/girlfriend, or two 15 year olds both breaking the law if they have sex.

Agreed.

I don't think most prosecutors or cops would be particularly bothered by a sixteen year old and their 15 year old partner doing stuff, as long as there's no coercion or whatever; but I think as you say there should be specific protections in place.

Originally Posted by Soldier Boy

... ... ... my more hard-line impulse would also say, no one over 30 with anyone under 21.

I agree that it would never fly, but I'd like it to be discussed so we could see who strongly objects to it

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Oliver_W

Agreed.

I don't think most prosecutors or cops would be particularly bothered by a sixteen year old and their 15 year old partner doing stuff, as long as there's no coercion or whatever; but I think as you say there should be specific protections in place.

I agree that it would never fly, but I'd like it to be discussed so we could see who strongly objects to it