In 1999 The UK Home Office published the recommendations of a Review Body set up to examine the UK law as it applied to sexual offences.

The Review Body felt that SM was outside their terms of reference. They stated that the legal status of actual bodily harm which occurs in a sexual context should be considered in the context of offences against the person and the law on consent. As SM is clearly a sexual activity the Trust has contested this stance.

The Spanner Trust has responded with a submission which argues that:

• SM is a valid form of sexual expression
• Legal rulings in cases involving SM have treated heterosexuals and homosexuals differently
• The current legal status of SM is overly restrictive if its intention is to ensure health and safety and to serve the public good.

The Trust's submission can be viewed here

A summary of the Home Office Review Board's proposals can be viewed here:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/cpd/sou/set_summ.pdf

The complete report can be viewed here:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/cpd/sou/vol1main.pdf