PENAL CODE AMENDMENT SEXUAL OFFENCES BILL 2016 TO PARLIAMENT
The Solomon Islands National Parliament. Photo credit: SIBC.
A new bill to amend the Penal Code in relation to sexual offences to provide greater protection against sexual violence and exploitation will be taken to Parliament hopefully in its next sitting.
The Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Bill 2016 aims to update current offence in the Penal Code by providing clear definitions and capture a greater range of criminal acts of sexual nature.
It also increases the penalties for serious offences, particularly those involving young children.
The provisions are gender neutral and apply equally to acts committed to men and women.
The National Parliament, in its webpage says the updated offences include rape, attempted rape, incest, indecent assault, indecent Act, Sexual intercourse with a child and procuration.
In addition, the bill introduces new offences such as sexual intercourse with a person with disability, Commercial child sexual exploitation and others.