Free vote for MPs on lowering gay age of consent to 16

MPs are to be offered a free vote on lowering the age of sexual consent for gay men to 16, paving the way for a change in the law. The move, which is expected to be announced by the Government in the next few days, is almost certain to lead to the reduction of the age limit for homosexual men from 18 to 16. It is understood that the new limit, which was reduced from 21 three years ago, is expected to become law by the beginning of 1999.

The move follows a decision by Jack Straw, the Home Secretary, to agree to a free vote in the Commons rather than face a defeat in the European Court of Human Rights over Britain having a higher age of consent for gay men than heterosexuals.

In return, Stonewall, the gay rights' campaign group, has agreed to halt its European challenge to the UK laws. They have backed a case brought by Euan Sutherland, 20, a student, against the Government. Mr Sutherland argued that the higher age of consent breached his right of privacy and the right not to be discriminated against in his private life. A second challenge has been launched by Chris Morris, 18, who also argues that the current law is discriminatory.

Mr Straw is expected to make his announcement as soon as the European Commission publishes its response to Mr Sutherland's application. This could be as early as tomorrow.

A free vote in the Commons is expected to provide a thumping majority for lowering the age of consent, particularly as the party leaders Tony Blair, William Hague and Paddy Ashdown all voted in favour of 16 in the 1994 vote, which was defeated by a 27 majority. If there is a yes vote to a change, the Government could include it as an amendment to the forthcoming Crime and Disorder Bill. However, it is more likely to be in a separate Bill; legislation could then be introduced in just over a year.