Politicians debated plans on Wednesday to update the sexual offences law so sex between men is dealt with in the same way as between men and women.

That would have lowered the age of consent between men from 18 to 16.

But Senator Wendy Kinnard agreed to a call from Deputy Rob Duhamel for the matter to be referred to a scrutiny panel for further consideration.

Lacked depth

The Home Affairs Committee said the case for reform in the island was based on rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.

But some politicians criticised the Committee's report accompanying the proposal, saying it lacked depth.

Senator Kinnard said she felt she had no option but to take the issue to the scrutiny panel.

"I think, because of the way the debate has progressed, I don't really have a lot of option but to refer it to the panel," she said.

"It is not a position I am in favour of. In fact, I am extremely disappointed, if not in some ways appalled, at the way the debate has developed.

"But on the basis of that I am prepared to accept that members do have concerns which I think will be addressed and can be addressed."

States members voted by 41 to 10 to let a scrutiny panel consider the proposals.