New sex offences bill published

The government has published the Sexual Offences Bill heralding
it as the biggest overhaul of sexual legislation for 50 years.

The bill includes a range of new offences such as sex with a
child, and a new grooming offence based on meeting a child with the
intention of committing a sex offence.

It also covers people suffering from mental heath problems and
those with learning difficulties through a new ‘breach of a
relationship of care’ law, designed to protect those who have
the capacity to consent, but are vulnerable to exploitative
behavior.

Home secretary David Blunkett said: “Protection for children and
the most vulnerable is a priority for the government. All crime has
a damaging effect on individuals and communities. But sexual crime,
especially against children, can tear apart the very fabric of
society.”

The bill is available
here