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By Mark Watson
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An overwhelming 199-strong majority of MPs Monday voted yet again to
equalize the gay age of consent
Concluding the debate, Home Office Minister, Paul Boateng, confidently
reasserted the intention of the Commons to see these proposals become
law. This vote sets them on a collision course with the outdated House
of Lords. |
 Home Office Minister
Paul Boateng |
An amendment to decriminalize the younger man in gay age of consent
offences was also accepted by a 210 majority of MPs' votes. [see note]
After a lengthy and reasoned debate, the argument for equality has been
won for the third time in five weeks in the democratically elected House
of Commons.
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MPs have sent a clear message to the House of Lords that their concerns
raised in last year's debate have been met. The Government backed Bill
now provides equal protection and equal treatment for all young people.
The Bill has the support of all major child care organizations and HIV
prevention agencies.
It is likely that the Lords will reject equality once again. Should this
happen, the Government has promised to invoke the Parliament Act to
ensure the proposals become law.
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Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:
British Age of Consent Law Doesn't Apply to Islands
Britain Dempands Territories Legalize Gay Sex
Finland Equalizes Age of Consent
Related Sites:
Stonewall-UK
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Angela Mason, Executive Director of Stonewall, said:
"Last year, Peers raised concerns about protection of the young and
asked the elected house to reconsider the age of consent measures.
"This Bill does now provide equal treatment and equal protection of all
young people.
"MPs have debated these proposals at length and have made it clear that
they overwhelmingly support this Bill.
"The Lords must listen to the will of the elected House and should not
delay these measures."
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