THE VALLEY, Anguilla — Anguilla has approved major changes to its sexual-offence legislation, with the House of Assembly unanimously passing amendments to the Criminal (Amendment) Code, 2026.

The reforms remove the marital rape exemption, meaning marriage will no longer prevent a person from being prosecuted for rape against their spouse. The legislation also replaces gender-specific wording with gender-neutral provisions designed to apply the law equally to men and women.

Attorney General Rachel Spearing KC said the amendments are intended to strengthen safeguards against sexual harm and provide greater clarity around consent and sexual offences.

The legislation also strengthens protections for vulnerable people, including provisions addressing situations involving mental incapacity or impairment and potential sexual exploitation and trafficking.

The amendments followed public consultation led by Anguilla's Gender Affairs Unit before moving through the House of Assembly's second reading, committee stage and third reading.

The changes represent a significant update to Anguilla's criminal justice and sexual-offence framework, bringing the territory's legislation further in line with modern principles of equality and protection from sexual violence.