The possession of child-like sex dolls could be banned in England and Wales under proposed draft legislation, reports BritPanorama.
Liberal Democrat Munira Wilson is pursuing this initiative to close what she deems a “dangerous” legislative loophole.
Her private member’s Bill aims to prevent sexual harm and disrupt behaviours that could indicate or facilitate a sexual interest in children.
Currently, ownership of a child-like sex doll is not a crime in the UK, but individuals importing them can face prosecution under the Customs Consolidation Act 1876.
In a notable case from 2017, David Turner, a former school governor, received a 16-month prison sentence after importing a 3ft child sex doll from China. Following a search by officers from the National Crime Agency in his Ramsgate home, two additional dolls were discovered.
Forensic analysis of his computers indicated he had downloaded over 34,000 indecent images of children.
According to the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a child protection charity, child-like sex dolls “normalise and legitimise adult sexual behaviour with children.” Director Stuart Allardyce remarked, “Although some might suggest they prevent people from harming real children, in reality using them can reinforce sexual fantasies about children and sexual interactions with people who cannot consent.”
The proposed Child-like Sexual Abuse Dolls (Offences) Bill would equate the possession of such dolls with possessing indecent images of children, according to Wilson.
She expressed her disgust and horror regarding the existence of these dolls, asserting, “We mustn’t be squeamish about tackling this issue head-on.”
Wilson explained that currently, individuals found in possession of a doll cannot be tracked, and they are excluded from the sex offenders register, limiting police action. “If they’re found with indecent images, then obviously they can be flagged up,” she stated.
Under the new law, police would be empowered to confiscate such dolls, and offenders could face imprisonment and monitoring. The Bill is set for its second reading in the House of Commons on 4 September, though it will require government support to become law.
Wilson highlighted that the dolls sold are predominantly representations of girls, with some designed to resemble infants. “They can be custom made, so made to order with certain specifications,” she noted.
To prevent circumvention of the law, Wilson specified that the Bill encompasses any doll resembling a child or any part of a child, addressing concerns that some individuals may assemble dolls from various parts to escape prosecution.
Ms Wilson, who serves as the Liberal Democrat education spokesperson, remarked on the challenging nature of addressing such a disturbing issue. “It’s a horrendous issue to work on, to talk about, to investigate,” she said.
Allardyce emphasized the importance of offering management strategies for those concerned about their thoughts or behaviours toward children, recommending the confidential resources available through their Stop It Now website.
A Home Office spokesperson denounced the dolls as “vile,” asserting the necessity of banning and removing them from sale to protect children from predatory threats.
If you are a child needing assistance due to an incident, you can call Childline free of charge on 0800 1111. Adults concerned about a child can reach out to the NSPCC at 0808 800 5000, while the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) provides support for adults at 0808 801 0331.
