Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill

A Bill to amend the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to create an offence of paying for sexual services of a person under the age of 21 years; and for connected purposes

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

1 May 2012

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Bill would create a new offence making it illegal to pay for the sexual services of a person who is under 21. It aims to reduce exploitation of younger adults and strengthen protections against abuse in paid-sex arrangements by amending the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and adding related provisions.

Key Points

New offence of paying for sexual services of a person under 21.
Applies to buyers who pay for sex with someone aged 20 or younger.
Amends the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and includes connected provisions for enforcement.
Aims to reduce exploitation and coercion in prostitution and protect younger people.
Long parliamentary history, with a first reading in 2012; currently at the second reading in the Commons.

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons. It originated in the Commons and first appeared for consideration in 2012.

Who is affected?

People who pay for sex with someone under 21People aged 20 or under who provide sexual servicesThe wider sex industry and those who work in itLaw enforcement agencies and prosecutorsVictims and survivors of sexual exploitation or traffickingCharities and support services assisting vulnerable peopleThe general public as potential offenders

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

17 Jan 2012

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Sexual Offences (Amendment)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.