Clause 1 - Rape
Sexual Offences Bill [Lords]
9:10 am
Mr Dominic Grieve (Beaconsfield, Conservative)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend because he takes me on to a key point. If Parliament states something in legislation as being something that members of the public do not view it as being, we will end up with a situation where there may be a reluctance to convict. Penetration of the mouth is a horrible thing and forced penetration of the mouth is revolting, but most people in my experience tend to view that as something quite different in nature and quality to rape, as we understand it on the statute book. I am anxious to ensure that the Committee is seen to have considered that important issue, and not
simply to have said, ''That is what we want, so let's get on with it.''