SCMP - Sweeping overhaul of city's laws on sex crimes proposed

Measures include criminalising same-sex rape and adopting a uniform age of consent at 16

The authorities have proposed a major overhaul of outdated sexual offences laws, including criminalising same-sex rape, introducing new offences and establishing a uniform age of consent at 16 while removing gender-specific provisions and increasing penalties.

In a 59-page consultation paper submitted to the Legislative Council yesterday, the Security Bureau proposed a series of measures to strengthen protection for minors and mentally incapacitated people from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat welcomed the proposed amendments, saying existing laws lagged severely behind societal development and had numerous flaws, including gender discrimination, sexual orientation distinctions, narrow coverage and excessively lenient penalties.

Quat said the changes would better protect vulnerable groups, close loopholes and strengthen privacy protection for victims.