Antigua and Barbuda passes tougher sexual offences law for minors

Antigua and Barbuda: The House of Representatives has passed amendments to the country’s sexual offences legislation, including a provision that makes sexual intercourse with a person under 16 punishable by up to life imprisonment.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Sir Steadroy Benjamin presented the legislation during Monday’s parliamentary debate, saying tougher measures were needed to strengthen protection for children and address sexual abuse.

Any person who indulges in sexual intercourse with a minor below the age of 16 years will be punished with life imprisonment. The intention is to strengthen the laws made for protection of children and to severely punish the sexual offenders, “these grown men take advantage of young children, young girls”, said Sir Benjamin, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

The government has a duty to send a strong message to sexual offenders. Sexual intercourse with a minor, irrespective of his/her consent, shall be punishable, no matter during the intercourse he/she is believed to be a minor or not. He also stated that these days many young girls and boys mature quickly that they appear to be adults. The government is ready to fight the matter to the very end. The legislation will ensure that no offender is spared. Nobody is above the constitution.

The Leader of Opposition, while supporting the Bill, sought some clarity on Sec8 of the Bill, amendment of Section 10, sexual intercourse with minor employees.Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner warned that Antigua and Barbuda is not doing enough to protect its young generation, and urged people to report the cases of sexual abuse. Turner stated that after assuming charge as a minister, he has been exposed to the reality of trauma that children have to go through. Children who have been victims are as young as three years to five years. The problem of child sexual abuse exists beyond Antigua and Barbuda in other Caribbean nations also.

The problem persists because people out of fear of embarrassment don’t report such abuses to the concerned authorities. The amendments were also passed by House of Representatives. “You could have protected that child. You could have protected their innocence” said Turner while addressing the Parliament. The children should be made aware of what is a good touch and what is a bad touch. Through proper awareness this menace can be curbed.