Bishop backs gay consent at 16
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.The Bishop of Oxford, the Right Rev Richard Harries, has called for the age of consent for homosexuals to be lowered from 18 to 16.
Bishop Harries, chairman of the Church of England bishops' group on homosexuality and well known as a broadcaster and writer, told the Times: "The last time it came before Parliament, I supported an age of consent of 18. I have changed my mind. Before I took the view that between the ages of 16 and 18 a person's sexuality was still fluid and unformed, and that it was important for them to be given the chance to develop heterosexual relationships ... but recent evidence ... suggests people's sexuality is well formed by the age of 16.
"And even if there is still a doubt about it, the idea of prosecuting people of 17 for having sex really is very unproductive."
His intervention comes as Parliament prepares to debate the issue next spring. A free vote will be allowed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments