Calls for a staggered age-of-consent law for 16- and 17-year-olds have turned allegations involving public figures into a specific policy question: should the law place a clearer duty on substantially older adults where age and power are far apart?
The proposed answer from the Close the Consent Gap campaign is a three-year rule. Under its model, sexual activity involving a 16- or 17-year-old and someone more than three years older would become a criminal offence, while relationships between teenagers close in age would remain lawful. Claire Waxman, the victims’ commissioner for England and Wales, has called for “serious conversations” about possible legislative change; the Guardian reports that some Labour MPs also support the discussion.
The argument has force because the current threshold can treat very different relationships alike. As barrister Charlotte Proudman told the Guardian, a relationship between a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old is not comparable with one involving a much older adult. An age-gap rule could make the older person’s responsibility explicit where financial dependence, celebrity status, grooming or emotional manipulation may shape a young person’s choices.
But a bright-line rule is not proof of protection. Prof Roger Ingham said there is no strong evidence that countries with different consent-age rules have sharply different sexual behaviour or outcomes. Dr Sophie King-Hill warned that a legal change could create a false sense of security and deter some young people from seeking contraception or support if they fear their relationship has become illegal.
That is the central test for any reform. The case for examining stronger safeguards is credible; treating the proposal as a complete answer is not. No government bill, consultation, enforcement plan, exemptions or support protections are set out in the report. Before legislators draw a new boundary, they should show how it would target abusive power without isolating the young people it is meant to protect.
Sources
- The Guardian · UK · Source date: 2026-11-13
Independent editorial content. WUA is not affiliated with any political party. 2026-11-13