Asylum Seeker Charity Faces Backlash Over Age of Consent Lesson

A UK charity supporting asylum seekers has faced criticism after footage emerged showing a lesson on the age of consent, where attendees were advised to ask for identification from individuals they approached.

The Mamacita Foundation, an Aberdeen-based organization providing services such as pop-in sessions, food support, and employment workshops to asylum seekers, has been criticized for a video showing a teacher instructing migrants on approaching young people in Britain. In the video, the teacher advised the group to ascertain the age of individuals before engaging in any sexual or intimate activity, stating that the age of consent in England and Scotland is 16. The teacher cautioned against being deceived by the appearance of British teenagers, noting that some can appear older than their actual age.

"Please, this is very, very essential because we've had young men fall for these things that could be preventable," the teacher said in the footage. "So guys, we've got our answer. It's 16 years old for both England and Scotland. I thought it was 18 for England so we're all learning."

Reform UK condemned the workshop, with a party spokesman calling it "disgusting." The party suggested that such lessons highlight assaults on young British girls by male migrants and stated their policy would be to "detain and deport them."

Reform MSP Mark Simpson described the footage as "deeply concerning." In a letter to the charity's trustees, he stated that the organization seemed to acknowledge that "some of the men it works with do not understand that children are off limits." Simpson added, "An organisation that cannot provide clear guidance on such a vital issue should not be permitted to carry out this role; Grown men should not need a publicly funded workshop to be told not to have sex with children."

A spokesperson for the Mamacita Foundation responded to the criticism, stating they received Mr. Simpson's email after business hours and that he published a social media post before they had a reasonable opportunity to respond. The foundation expressed concern for the safety of their volunteers following online attention and called for fair scrutiny and respectful discussion. They affirmed their willingness to work constructively with elected representatives and public bodies.

The incident follows the release of an official government guidebook for asylum seekers in the UK, which warns new arrivals against committing crimes such as rape and domestic abuse. The booklet outlines the rules and expectations of living in Britain, including definitions of consent, the illegality of sexual activity with individuals under 16, and prohibitions against following people, making offensive gestures, or making sexual comments. It also emphasizes the equal rights of men and women in the UK and warns against domestic abuse and neglect of children.