Parliament Ratifies Sexual Offence Act 2012
Sierra Leone legislative parliament has enacted the new Sexual Offence Act 2012 which now sees the criminalization of all forms of illegal sexual activities nationwide.
Before enacting the bill, members of parliament representing both the ruling and opposition parties made meaningful contributions in their debates to ensure that the new laws are in conformity with the current development status of the country.
Hon. Chernor Bah of ruling APC noted that the new Sexual Offence Act 2012 will now pave the way for a brighter future in the country especially the young girls who are mostly affected.
According to Hon. Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone is currently having a daily increase in reported cases of illegal sex carried out nationwide which makes the new bill very instrumental.
According to Mallam Kaibanja from the main opposition, Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) the new bill creates mechanism to curb the influence and flaws of pornographic materials and also syndicates operating brothels in the country. Hon. Kaibanja also calls for the Act to consider gays and lesbian activities in the bill, adding that Sierra Leon as a tourist developing nation should also expect the inflow of gays and lesbian activities.
Female MP Hon. Marie Jalloh of APC advised her colleague parliamentarians to put up a stiff jail term for anybody caught in illegal sex activities.
Defending the bill in parliament Minister of Social Welfare Gender and Children Affairs Steven Gaoja stated that the new bill was put up to reduce the high level of sexual and gender based crimes in Sierra Leone; and also to make the children of this country more prepared for the future.
Steven Gaoja told MPs that the bill was developed by an international consultant with support from other non-governmental organization.
Civil Society groups and activists present at the parliamentary sitting praised the minister of Social welfare gender and Children affairs Steven Gaoja for bringing dignity and respect to the children of Sierra Leone.
Boyzy Balogun
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2012, https:. All rights reserved.
