Amend the Sexual Offences Act 2003 so that women can be charged with rape
Amend the The Sexual Offences Act 2003 so that rape isn't defined as: "he intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with his penis," as this states that only men can be convicted of rape. It should be gender neutral, and not be male or female specific in any aspect.
Signatures
6
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 6/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 6/100,000
- 17 APR 2026Petition rejectedduplicate
You may wish to sign this petition, which calls for similar action: "Change Sexual Offences Act rape definition to include any assault by penetration" https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/745624
- 18 MAR 2026Petition created
Background
The current language of the Act states that only a male can commit rape, meaning that females can, at most, be charged with sexual assault. While the male goes to prison for life, the female is free after 10 years. Rape is rape, whether or not it's a man or woman.