Graham

I doubt it.

Under the new act it redefines "an indecent picture of a child" as being one of anyone under *eighteen* instead of sixteen as previously, so an eighteen year old looking at a picture of a 17 year old could be classed as a paedophile, even though they can engage in consensual sex with them!

It also effectively criminalises all sexual activity with an under sixteen year old, whether it is consenting or not, and thus makes it a *criminal offence* for two under sixteen year olds to even *kiss* in public although it notes that, provided they both appear to be enjoying it, it's unlikely action will be taken!! (I can see the headlines now "14 and 15 year olds arrested for playing 'kiss chase'!")

As regards recent threads on prostitution, the government claims they are trying to protect victims by introducing new offences covering "commercial sexual exploitation" and targetting pimps and others who force children and adults into prostitution, which is all well and good, however it also adds extra penalties for running a brothel regardless of whether those employed there are consenting or not.

Finally this reform *still* does nothing to clarify or rectify the contradictions in the laws or interpretations of the laws regarding BDSM and related activities (preferably by eliminating them altogether where consenting adults are concerned) which is most certainly a missed opportunity

So, my initial reaction is 6/10, could do better...

(PS sorry for being boring by talking about the issues, rather than making weak jokes...!)