Naomi Long

The call for evidence asks whether the law should be extended beyond the new categories of sport and religion introduced as part of the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.

Justice minister Naomi Long said: “During passage of these provisions in the Assembly, I committed to carry out a review to explore this area.”

She continued: “This legislation has been created to protect young people in particular situations where there is some element of dependency on an adult, combined with an element of vulnerability on the part of the young person and where there is an imbalance in power.

“In considering any extension, it is important to remember that young people have a lawful right to engage in sexual relations from the age of 16 and any protection provided in law must respect those rights.

“Any further change to the law must be sufficiently supported with sound and robust evidence to ensure a proportionate and balanced approach to protecting our young people can be taken.

“Where such an extension is supported by the evidence, my Department will not hesitate to legislate using the dedicated power within the Act which allows additional areas to be included without the need for primary legislation.”

The call for evidence runs for eight weeks from 27 October to 22 December 2022.