Loophole gives animals and corpses more rights than women in porn, say anti-rape campaigners

Necrophilia and bestiality are illegal but pornography depicting rape scenes is not

While it is illegal to possess pornography that depicts necrophilia and bestiality, that which portrays simulated rape is legal so long as the actors are over the age of 18 (Rex Features)

A legal loophole in the regulation of pornography means that animals and corpses have more rights than women, a coalition of women’s groups has warned.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, groups including the National Federation of Women’s Institutes and Mumsnet called on the Government to ban the possession of images that promote sexual violence against women and girls.

While it is illegal to possess material that depicts necrophilia and bestiality, that which portrays simulated rape is legal so long as the actors are over the age of 18, their letter states.

The signatories, who feature Fiona Elvines of Rape Crisis South London and Holly Dustin of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, demand “urgent action against violent and misogynistic pornography”.

“We specifically want the Government to close a loophole in the pornography legislation which allows the lawful possession in England and Wales of images that depict rape,” they wrote. This means that images titled ‘teen slut rape’ and ‘schoolgirl rape’ are legal to possess.”

“Depictions of necrophilia and bestiality are criminalised by the same legislation, meaning that animals and dead people are better protected than women and girls. We are dismayed that this loophole still exists, especially at a time when the media carries so many stories about sexual abuse.”