Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Govt back down not far enough
Tony Ryall National Law and Order Spokesman
23 May 2004
Govt back down not far enough
National MP Tony Ryall says the Government's back down on lowering the age of consent does not go far enough.
"Only 24 hours ago Justice Minister Phil Goff was promoting and defending a law change which would legalise sex between 12-16-year-old children.
"But in a statement this afternoon, Mr Goff is now indicating the Government is backing away from its proposed law change.
"However, parents and grandparents will still be alarmed by Mr Goff's proposal to legalise older men having sex with 12-16-year olds, if they can prove they took reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the young person and believed them to be 16-years-old or over."
Mr Ryall says Mr Goff should ditch this dangerous proposal as well. The Government should be focused on looking after our children, not making them more vulnerable.
Ends
Gordon Campbell: Gordon Campbell On The Folly Of Making Apologies In A Social Vacuum.
Forest And Bird: Modernisation Of Conservation System Must Focus On Improving Conservation
NZCTU: Uniformed Defence Force Should Not Be Used As Strike Breakers
MetService: Damp Start To Canterbury Anniversary Weekend; Wet Start For Coldplay Fans In Auckland
RNZ: Senior Lawyers Call For Treaty Principles Bill To Be Abandoned
Lobby for Good: Small Business Owners, MPs Rally Together To Demand Transparency In Tauranga Marine Precinct Sale
VisAble: National Apology Marks Important Step For Disabled Community, But True Change Requires Lasting Action
