Sexual Offences (Amendment Act) 2000

This Act makes three changes to the law on sexual offences:-

Reduction of the minimum at at which a person may consent to buggery and certain homosexual acts – (16 in England and Wales)
A person under the age of consent for sexual activity no longer commits an offence themselves if they engage in buggery or certain homosexual acts
A new offence is introduced where a person aged 18 or over has sexual intercourse or engages in sexual activity with or directed towards a person under that age, if the person aged 18 or over is in a position of trust in relation to the younger person. The Government has produced a booklet “Caring for young people and the vulnerable: Guidance for preventing abuse of trust” copies of which can be obtained from the House of Commons and the House of Lords.