Major Change Coming To UK Law Thanks To #SpeakingOut Movement

Positive news from the United Kingdom.

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A considerable change is coming to UK legislation as a direct result of the ongoing #SpeakingOut movement.

As was brought to our attention by wrestling journalist Gary Cassidy, the United Kingdom shall soon update its Sexual Offences Act of 2003 in order to prevent minors entering relationships with people in positions of trust, effectively making it illegal for trainers to exploit 16/17-year-old students. Such situations have formed the basis of many allegations made through #SpeakingOut.

Per Justin Humphreys or the Department for International Development, discussions with the Ministry of Justice will lead to this change in the law coming into play sometime in the future - probably in 2021. Such a motion had already been made after accusations surrounding football coaching and Cassidy reports that "the update is that they're now working on removing definitions to include wrestling trainers."

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An NSPCC petition had previously been set up to close the loophole.

The latest major developments in the #SpeakingOut movement saw accused parties Chris Roberts and Joel Allen fired by WWE, with NXT UK wrestler Joe Coffey suspended. Ligero and Travis Banks have already been cut by the promotion as investigations continue.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.