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Gay age of consent set to become 16

The reintroduction of a bill to make the law equal for gays and heterosexuals was promised after the House of Lords last year defeated the government's Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill that would have brought in the change.

Amid the speculation over what will be announced during the annual state opening of Parliament, another attempt to change the gay age of consent is almost certain.

This is because the European Commission in 1997 found the age disparity between homosexuals and heterosexual ages of consent to be a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The case would have proceeded to the European Court if the government had not promised to change the law.

But the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill was rejected earlier this year by peers led by Baroness Young, who had previously marshalled opposition to Ann Keen's amendment to the 1998 Crime and Disorder Bill, which was the first attempt to make the change in the law.

This time ministers will force it through even if this requires invoking the Parliament Act, which it could do as this would be the third time the proposal had been rejected by the upper house.

Alongside the change in the gay age of consent, the Queen's Speech is likely to bring in other changes sought by gay rights campaigners.

A change in the criminal compensation system so it recognises homosexual couples in relationships of longer than two years - in line with the law for heterosexuals - is expected.

Former Cabinet Office Minister Jack Cunningham also reportedly told gay rights group Stonewall that the government had decided to repeal the much-criticised Clause 28 of the Local Government Act, which forbids schools to teach pupils about homosexuality.

Alongside these changes, measures to protect teenagers from sexual relationships based on an abuse of power will again be included in the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill.

A new offence of sex between and 16 or 17-year-old and an adult in a position of trust, such as a teacher or care worker, will be created.

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Is gay equality any closer? (02 Nov 99 | UK)
Rethink for gay consent age (23 Jul 99 | UK Politics)

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