The Christian Institute has condemned as “highly irresponsible” and “reckless” a proposal by the British Medical Association (BMA) suggesting that doctors shouldn’t be obligated to report sexual intercourse between adults and kids in the event that they imagine the connection is consensual.
Ciarán Kelly, Director of the Christian Institute, strongly criticised the BMA’s stance, stating: “The BMA’s call for an exemption on reporting sexual intercourse between an adult and a toddler is extremely irresponsible.
“The age of consent law exists because children under 16 usually are not able to giving informed consent.
“It is reckless to act as if underage sex is normal and acceptable.”
The Home Office has also defended the mandatory reporting measures.
A spokesman stated: “Mandatory reporting will create a culture of openness and honesty somewhat than cover-ups and secrecy.
“It will empower professionals and volunteers to take prompt, decisive motion to report sexual abuse.”
It follows written evidence submitted by the BMA to MPs scrutinising the Government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which mandates professionals across England to notify authorities about suspected child sex crimes.
Under the bill, doctors could be legally certain to report all sexual intercourse with anyone under 13, or between adults and minors under 16 – even in cases where the minor has supposedly consented.
The BMA argued that the proposal could harm vulnerable young people by deterring them from in search of confidential sexual health advice or contraception.
“It is common for young people under the age of 16 to be in consensual sexual relationships with people who find themselves older (and often greater than 2 years older) than themselves,” the BMA said.
It has called for an exemption or the liberty to exercise their skilled judgement in cases where the connection appears “consensual” and never “coercive”.
The Deputy Chairman of the BMA’s GP Committee in England, Dr Julius Parker said, “The proposals have clear implications for GPs around consultations with young people under the age of 16 who’re engaging in sexual intercourse.”
Any sexual intercourse involving someone under 16 is taken into account illegal under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, no matter perceived consent.
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