Poll: Are some rape cases more serious than others?

The British Justice Secretary is under fire for implying that date rape is less serious than rape by a stranger. What’s your view?

THE BRITISH Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke, has come under fire for appearing to suggest that so called “date rape” was a less serious offence than “serious, proper” rape by a stranger.

His comments came as he announced plans to increase the reduction on sentences for early guilty pleas by rapists. During debate on the proposal, he sought to reassure campaigners by saying no-one convicted of “serious rape” would get early release; only those who were guilty of “date rape”. He later clarified that he regards “all rape as a serious crime”.

The controversy comes in the same week as the Rape Crisis Network criticised an Irish judge for citing a woman’s profession as a reason for finding an alleged rapist not guilty.

So what do you think? Are all rape cases equally serious – or are there degrees of criminality where rape is concerned?

Poll Results:

Rape is rape, regardless of circumstances (703)

Date rape is less serious (124)

I don't know (89)

Rape is rape, regardless of circumstances
Date rape is less serious
I don't know