Abstract
This article offers a feminist and queer critique of recent ‘fraudulent sexual consent’ cases, arguing that the application of criminal law here signals a failure to acknowledge the stigmatization and social exclusion of already structurally disadvantaged defendants. In particular, the article will examine cases involving those living with HIV who fail to disclose their HIV status, alongside those involving transgender (trans) men who do not reveal their gender attributed at birth. These cases are analysed against the backdrop of what we might call ‘everyday’ cases of deception that are not considered criminal in the UK, to illustrate how current criminalisation practices regarding fraudulent sexual consent threaten to condone and enable discrimination against HIV+ and trans people. The article argues that when making criminalisation decisions, we should apply a substantive equality lens and take account of the marginalization and stigmatization of already structurally disadvantaged individuals; and suggests that we need to focus on the purpose and impact of criminalisation, if we are to reach morally just outcomes in ‘fraudulent’ assault and sexual assault cases.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
