A total of 55 MLAs signed a "no day motion" on Tuesday which urged the retention of the current age of consent in what is understood to be the largest ever consensus among Assembly members.

Majority

A recent public opinion poll showed that 73 per cent of the Ulster public did not want the age of consent dropped from 17 to 16 and the changes were opposed by the DUP, UUP and SDLP but welcomed by the Alliance Party, while Sinn Fein abstained from all Assembly votes.

Jim Wells, vice-chairman of the Stormont ad-hoc committee which reported on the matter, said the Government consultation showed "contempt for democracy".

"What was the point of asking MLAs to take evidence on this for three months only to completely ignore our conclusions?" he asked.

"There was absolutely no public pressure for these changes, which have only been supported by a liberal elite. We are clearly weakening the protections we had to stop situations where a paedophile in his 40s could be trying to attract a 15-year-old child in heterosexual or homosexual activity."

Parity

But Alliance MLA Stephen Farry, who chaired the related ad-hoc committee, said the changes would bring us into line with Great Britain.

"The issue is not about encouraging or legitimising sexual activity at an early age, but rather recognising that it is a reality in our society and ensuring that there can be an effective response to a genuine problem without artificial barriers being created," he said.

The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 covers a wide range of issues, removing a defence of consent for sex with children under 13, adding protections for those with mental disorders, preventing teachers having sex with pupils whether over 16 or not, and adding tougher penalties for trafficking and brothel keeping, with a new offence of kerb crawling.