Hong Kong Security Chief Pledges Sexual Offences Reform Bill Within the Year

Over 90 per cent of more than 6,000 public submissions have voiced support for Hong Kong’s sexual offences reform, the city’s security chief has said, as he pledged to table a bill to the legislature within the year. Secretary for Security Chris Tang also said on Friday that the government had noted public views regarding the introduction of a specific persistent child sexual abuse offence, and would continue dialogue with stakeholders. In particular, we note that the Bar Association has said it 'largely agreed' to establish the offence, Tang told reporters in Cantonese.

Tang’s remarks come two days after a one-month public consultation for the sweeping reforms concluded on Wednesday. The authorities are seeking to introduce dozens of new offences to Hong Kong’s archaic sex laws, including provisions to protect mentally impaired people, as well as to expand the scope of rape, and redefine consent during sexual activity. The government also published booklets by the Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women on sexual assault and sexual law reform, as part of its public education efforts.