House Signs Off on Sexual Offences Bill

The House of Representatives on Tuesday (Sept. 15) approved the Sexual Offences Bill, with the 28 amendments that were made by the Senate in July.
The Bill, which was tabled in the House earlier this year, and was lengthily debated, reforms and amalgamates the various laws relating to rape, incest and other sexual offences, and will repeal the Incest (Punishment) Act, as well as several provisions of the Offences Against the Person Act.
It also provides for the establishment of a Sex Offenders Registry, which will maintain a list of sex offenders.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, said that “some of these amendments will have even more far reaching impact in the protection of our women and our children. Areas such as sexual touching could have a far-reaching impact in terms of how people greet your children.”
Opposition Leader, Portia Simpson Miller welcomed the legislation, stating that, “the Senate was very meticulous.and so we have no difficulty accepting the recommendations coming from the Senate”.
Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce Golding, has previously sought leave of Parliament to withdraw the Bill, due to the significant number of amendments that had to be made.