Bahamians to see stiffer penalties for sex crimes

Parliamentarians in the Bahamas are now debating a bill to amend the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act.



The amendment will see stiffer penalties being imposed on persons convicted of sex offences.



In opening the debate yesterday Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Desmond Bannister stated that one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government was to ensure that laws were enacted to protect the vulnerable in society.



The bill prescribes life imprisonment for persons convicted of various sex crimes, including child pornography, rape, incest and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.



It also covers unlawful sexual intercourse with a person suffering from a mental disorder and sexual intercourse with a minor of the same sex.