Scotland moves to toughen penalties

People who groom a child for sexual purposes in Scotland could be
imprisoned for up to 10 years, under legislation announced by the
Scottish executive this week.

The new offence will be part of the Protection of Children and
Prevention of Sexual Offences Bill to be introduced in the new
parliamentary session.

The bill also introduces risk of sexual harm orders for adults who
have shown inappropriate sexual behaviour towards children.

Meanwhile, unmarried fathers are to be given legal rights for the
first time under the Family Law (Scotland) Bill. The bill proposes
parenting rights and responsibilities if the father registers the
birth of a child jointly with the mother.