Letter: The age of homosexual consent: equality or boundary?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Ever since the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality in 1967, Parliament has consistently refused to repeal laws which discriminate against lesbians and gay men. During the last 27 years, there has not been a single instance of significant homosexual law reform.
Now, when given the opportunity to ensure the age of consent for homosexuals is the same as
for heterosexuals, many MPs remain unwilling to accept the principle that everyone should be treated equally by the law. Some of these MPs are hoping to salve their consciences by voting for a compromise of 18. However, that would merely perpetuate inequality; leaving 16- and 17-year-old gay men, and their partners, vulnerable to continued legal persecution.
It would be better for MPs to retain the honest homophobia of an age of consent of 21 than to agree to a compromise that masquerades as a liberalisation while reinforcing discrimination. The only law reform worth having is full legal equality.
Yours faithfully,
PETER TATCHELL
OutRage
London, W1
16 February
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments