Are there still any laws that apply to women but not men?

[CuppaTeaJanice]

Or vice versa? Or any offences that carry different penalties depending on the gender of the offender or victim?

The area that immediately springs to mind is being topless in public. Also I expect there were many old laws eg. homosexuality only being illegal for males because Queen Victoria didn't believe females would do such a thing. And women not being allowed to vote, her possessions being 'owned' by her husband etc.

Does anybody know if all the gender inequalities in British law have now been rectified, or are there still a few odd laws left that are not equal?

You need the agreement of a doctor for a vasectomy? A gp can refuse -struggling here

The Infanticide Act only applies to mothers. I think it's still in force, though wouldn't bet on it.

Not really a good example, because it's based on a woman's mental state being affected by her having given birth. Since men can't do that it wouldn't make any difference if the law said "parent" instead of "mother".

I was involved in the criminal justice system about 15 years ago and then it was riddled with sexist stereotypes. Some female suspects were less likely to be followed up for some crimes as people were reluctant believe they had criminal intent (especially when there was also a man involved). Suspects etc. were treated more harshly when they didn't conform to expectations. That's a fairly natural reaction I think, but one a justice system should guard against. Women who got convicted seemed to get harsher sentences from what I saw. That's all anecdotal though.

Women are forbidden by Law to drive (a vehicle) - for a set period of time (after having given birth)

Interesting, what I don't get is that the age of consent was so much lower in the past, but at the same time it seems we are often told that our children are going through puberty younger than previous generations - the two seem to be entirely contradictory to me

HelenBa - I think I read somewhere that the age of puberty used to be much the same as it is now, but dropped during the Industrial Revolution (urbanisation leading to poorer health/diet etc). Not sure if that's true nor where I read it though.

carmelwaffle - what is the set time and which act of law prevents a pg woman from driving a vehicle?

I know after major surgery you are not able to drive a car due to your insurance company not allowing this - but that effects any person who has had major surgery - from gall bladder removal or c section, but isn't a law forbidden just the insurance don't want the risk

I would have thought that poor health and diet would increase the age of puberty. I've read many times that the hormones required for menstruation kick in when the body reaches approx 7 stone in weight. An ill, malnourished child would weigh a lot less than this.

Sorry, yes, that's exactly what I meant. Durh.

ivy - I believe it is two weeks (will double check)

Helena Kennedy talking rubbish!!!! Gosh. That needs a lie down.

heroine is the one less than exact. Women tend t og oto prison earlier in their offending career, for less serious offences, and as there are fewer women's prisons are likely to be much much further away from their families.

and vasectomy - yes legally there needs to be evidence of all of the issues thrashed out with your (a) GP

no they are not caramel!

Miseltoe - no longer true. Wrens can serve on submarines.

or rather in submarines. Otherwise there could be consequences..