Parliament Approves Tougher Sexual Offenses Law

Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda has approved amendments to the country’s sexual offenses legislation, including a provision that makes sexual intercourse with a person under 16 an offense punishable by up to life imprisonment.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Sir Steadroy Benjamin, who presented the legislation, said the changes aim to strengthen protections for children and impose tougher penalties for sexual offenses.

Benjamin said the amendments were necessary because of concerns about child sexual abuse and sentences imposed in some cases.

Under the amended legislation, a person who has sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 commits an offense regardless of whether the minor consented. The law also removes reliance on whether the accused believed the minor had reached 16.

The legislation states that a person convicted of the offense is liable to imprisonment for life.

Benjamin also said the legislation includes provisions concerning information about certain convicted sexual offenders after they complete their sentences. He said communities should know when such offenders return to live among them.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle supported the legislation but asked for clarification on a provision concerning sexual intercourse with minor employees.

Pringle questioned the use of the term “minor employees,” noting that the legal working age is 16. He also said lawmakers should consider raising that age to 18.

The Parliament subsequently passed the amendments.

During the debate, Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner urged the public to report suspected child abuse.

Turner said reports received by the Family and Social Services Division have exposed cases involving physical and sexual abuse of children. He also spoke about cases involving children as young as three and five.

The minister urged parents, teachers and other adults to believe children and speak up when they suspect abuse.

Turner also encouraged adults to have age-appropriate conversations with children about their bodies and personal safety. He said children should understand the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching and feel able to report concerns.

The amendments form part of the latest changes to sexual offenses legislation aimed at strengthening protections for minors.