THE gay age of consent could be lowered from 18 to 16 – the same as for heterosexuals.

A new draft law is in the final stages of preparation and is due to go to the Legislation Committee soon for its approval.

The committee has already agreed the principle of the change and the proposition could be debated by the States in the autumn.

Its passage through the committee was not without controversy – St Clement Deputy Gerard Baudains dissented and he says that he is still opposed.

‘I realise I am probably not being politically correct but I think it is an unnatural act.

I do not have a problem with people of the same sex loving each other but I think intercourse is another matter,’ he said.

‘I believe that the age should not be lowered because young men may be introduced to a lifestyle they might later regret.’ However, Legislation president St Clement Constable Derek Gray does not believe there will be too much fuss in the States.

‘We were advised it could be in contravention of the Human Rights law if it remains as it is.

I would not imagine it will be too controversial, I think attitudes have changed,’ he said.