PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: AGAINST LOWERING AGE OF CONSENT
 

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns has expressed his grave disappointment and concern that the age of consent is to be lowered to 16 years old. Mr Burns called on the Secretary of State to retain the age of consent for sexual activity at 17 years.

He commented, “I am very concerned by lowering the age of sexual consent to 16 years here in Northern Ireland. It is also frustrating that despite opposition from many local Assembly Members that this still has went through the House of Commons.

“Our children and young people need to be protected from all types of sexual abuse and by lowering the age of consent I am concerned that some young people will be taken advantaged off or feel pressurised to become sexual activity before they are ready.

“It would have made sense to maintain the age of consent at 17, just as it is in the south of Ireland. Now we have the ridiculous situation that in border areas we have two different ages of consent and that could be open to abuse.”

Mr Burns concluded, “I would encourage young people to be responsible when it comes to their sexual health. Young people should respect themselves and their partners and not rush into sexual activity. Strong and lasting relationships are based on friendship, trust and respect and I would urge young people to concentrate on these aspects of their life. Young people must also make safety, both in terms of health and personal safety, a top priority when making personal choices.”

ENDS