Minister tables Sexual Offences Bill 2012 in parliament

Freetown, August 24 (SLENA): The Minister of Social Welfare Gender and Children Affairs, Mr. Steven Nguajia has tabled in parliament the bill titled the Sexual Offences Act 2012.

Presenting the bill, the minister said it seeks to address all sexual related offences in the country, adding that the government and the international community were fully behind the enactment and implementations of the bill.

He said the bill provides for the general sexual offences and offences involving persons with mental disability, offences involving children and providing sentences and other related matters.

In his contributions, the deputy minority leader of parliament, Hon Suffian Kargbo commended the bill, noting that it will address the moral decadence in society.

He lambasted those members of the public including artists who abuse the nation’s dress code and called for stiff penalties for offenders against the sexual offences bill.

In her contribution, Hon. Elizabeth Alpha Lavalie, while adding her support for stronger measures against offenders, noted that the bill will help to reduce pressure on women.

Hon. Shaka Sama of the PMDC, Hon. Neneh Lebbie of the SLPP and Hon Paramount Chief Daffae Benya of Small Bo chiefdom, Kenema district expressed their appreciation and commended the ministry for championing the bill.

Also to contribute to the debate was Hon Chernor Bah who urged his colleague MPs to do justice to the bill and address all relevant questions related to sexual offences in the bill.

After thorough deliberation, and after it has gone through the First, Second and Third Reading, the bill was finally passed into law.

SB/HOP/SLENA

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