According to various reports by Sportskeeda’s own Gary Cassidy, allegations of sexual assault and misconduct that emerged from the #SpeakingOut movement are leading to changes in UK laws, specifically the 2003 Sexual Offenses Act. The change in the law is going to reportedly close a loophole regarding relationship between people in positions of trust and minors.
The changes as it pertains to pro wrestling would have made it legal for adult pro wrestlers to have sexual relations with trainees who were the ages of 16 or 17. Starting in 2021, these changes will go into effect.
Big news coming out as a result of the #SpeakingOut movement.
There's set to be a change in the law regarding the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which will close a loophole regarding relationships between people in positions of trust and minors.
— Gary Cassidy (@WrestlingGary) July 1, 2020
Currently, the loophole means it's legal for wrestling trainers to enter into sexual relationships with 16/17-year-old trainees.
That apparently WILL change next year.
— Gary Cassidy (@WrestlingGary) July 1, 2020
"Discussions that I’ve been having with the Ministry of Justice on this in recent weeks indicate that there is going to be a change in the law."
– Justin Humphreys, Member of Expert Advisory Group on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment at DFID.
— Gary Cassidy (@WrestlingGary) July 1, 2020
Humphreys goes on to say the change will likely be made next year, as revealed on 4 Way Dance.
Thanks to @TWGerken for the heads up.https://t.co/Yo6A3u2mII
— Gary Cassidy (@WrestlingGary) July 1, 2020
The relevance of this to wrestling, I should add, it's the second half of the above podcast. From just after 30 mins in.
The proposal had already been made following football coaching. The update is that they're now working on removing definitions to include wrestling trainers.
— Gary Cassidy (@WrestlingGary) July 1, 2020
