Well...for some, only when it suits:
The age of sexual consent in Northern Ireland is to be reduced to 16 to bring it into line with the rest of the UK.
The reduction from 17 was contained in new sexual offences laws introduced to the House of Commons on Wednesday by Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins.
I'm not making an argument here, one way or the other, regarding 16 being the age of sexual consent; my argument is if that is the age Westminster decides is appropriate, then it is appropriate for every part of the UK.
The age change will apply to both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. MLAs claimed a change could encourage sexual predators from the Republic of Ireland -where the age of consent remains 17 - to travel to Northern Ireland.
Of course it could, that one year will make all the difference- what complete and utter nonsense.
2 comments:
In this case it is up to the MPs for Northern Ireland to put their case across in Westminster for any special case for NI.
The position of the MLAs is that of a largely conservative country. The whole point of devolution is that each constituent part of the UK is not identical; therefore leaving room for variations in legislation.
Other areas like abortion, embryo bill and education are controversial.
The whole point of devolution is that each constituent part of the UK is not identical; therefore leaving room for variations in legislation.
Ignited,
Of course, I agree there are regional differences within the UK, as there are within eg France.
But it remains one nation and I believe that one set of laws should hold across all the different parts of that nation...especially in the cultural and social arena.
Other areas like abortion, embryo bill and education are controversial.
I believe all such matters are a matter of individual conscience, but the widest possible parameters should be set by the state in such areas. If people disagree with abortion, embryo research, fine (perosnally I'm not that keen on either concepts)then make their arguments and persuasion on a personal basis.
It shouldn't be the state that makes such decisions on individuals' behalf.
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