Letter: How fear and ignorance cloud the debate about the age of consent

Mr David Storey
Monday 24 January 1994 19:02 EST
Comments

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: Lady Olga Maitland does nothing to discourage my cynicism and lack of respect for MPs by her misinformed views about the homosexual age of consent and Aids (report, 20 January).

In opposing a reduction in the age of consent to 16, Lady Olga mentions the threat of Aids from male homosexual behaviour more than once. Yet only last week the British Medical Association declared its support for lowering the age of consent to 16 because of the threat of Aids. I gather the BMA and other professional organisations, believe this decriminalisation will make the task of health educators easier and will make it easier for young men to seek advice and support from appropriate professionals and organisations.

Is it not the task of our elected representatives to ensure they are well informed about matters they are to debate, and vote on, on our behalf?

Yours faithfully,

DAVID STOREY

(Registered Nurse)

Norwich

21 January

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in