London - British MPs last night backed the latest attempt to lower the age of consent for gay men from 18 to 16. On a free vote, the Commons approved the second reading of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill by 263 votes to 102, a government majority of 161.
The measure is certain to face stiff opposition in the Lords. The vote, after an impassioned five-hour debate, comes just three days after peers rejected government plans to repeal Section 28 which bans the promotion of homosexuality in schools. The Bill would equalise the gay and heterosexual ages of consent at 16 in England, Scotland and Wales and 17 in Northern Ireland. The Shadow Chancellor, Mr Michael Portillo, backed the lowering of the age of consent.