Media Statement
For immediate release
Wednesday, 10 December, 2003

Dunne: Protection for boys a big step forward

United Future leader Peter Dunne today expressed delight that boys under the age of 16 would now be legally protected from sexual abuse by women, after he went public with the case of a female swim coach and a 12-year-old boy earlier this year.

"It was an anomaly that needed to be fixed, and it was important that I drew attention to it when this case came before me in April," Mr Dunne said.

"Boys and girls deserve protection from predatory adults of either gender, and now that will be the case," he said.

Mr Dunne kept the pressure on the Government after bringing the issue to light.

"This was far too important an issue to let slip between the cracks and be forgotten.

"Neither boys or girls at that age have the maturity to cope with sexual relationships, and the law has to recognise that, and protect them from those who would abuse them," he said.

The legislation was introduced to Parliament yesterday.

Ends.

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