The Age of Consent

Gay sex between men over 21 was decriminalised in 1967.

The homosexual age of consent was reduced to 18 in 1994 and brought down to 16, - in line with the age of consent for heterosexual acts, in 2000.

Thousands of men have been prosecuted over four decades for having sex with a partner aged 16 or over before the age of consent was equalised.

Many have said that their criminal records have affected them throughout their lives.

The age of consent for all is now 16

From January 2001, the age of consent became equal for gay men, lesbians and heterosexuals in England, Wales and Scotland.

In June 2008, the House of Lords passed the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008. This legislation lowered the age of consent in Northern Ireland from 17 to 16 and this change came into force on February 2nd 2009.

August 2011