Are the laws the same for girls?

The law only applies to boys as statutory rape, by definition, since a woman cannot rape a man. However it is illegal.

No, there isn't a rule.

If the girl is underage, no matter how old the boy is, the boy can be held for prosecution.

However, if the boy is underage, there are no rules for girls. x

Actually, what is quite suprising is the law isn't different. In the sexual offences Act 2003, only a man can rape a child under the age of 13, because its penile penetration only. (section 5)

But any sexual activity with a person under the age of 16 (by someone over the age of 18) is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years. Section 9 states that if the over-18-person is penetrated (vagina or anus) by a part of the under-18-persons body, they are guilty of an offence. So therefore there is gender mutuality.

This is subject to whether the older person reasonably believes that the younger person is under 16.

Hope that helps

Jason

So if a 19 year old girl had sex with a 14 year old lad, it would be ok according to the law?

What if a man raped what looked like a 13 year old girl but she turned out to be a lot older say 19?

Sorry to be shouting things out like a kid

No offence would be committed. They are over age.

Jason

Well, if he actually raped her, regardless of how old he thought she was, that would have been an offence.

If what they mean is a guy had consensual sex with a girl he thought was 13 (and therefore statutory rape) but she turned out to be older, then that would be fine.

What if, a man raped another man and they were both underage.

Not true - see what The Prophetor wrote. (And thanks to him for saving me from having to look up that wretched Act again)