New Agreement On Sex Offences Law Welcome - But Anonymity Before Charge Still Not Guaranteed

12.00.00am GMT Tue 4th Nov 2003

Commenting after the completion of the Commons stages of the Sexual Offences Bill yesterday, Liberal Democrat London spokesman Simon Hughes MP said:

"After much improvement following pressure from Liberal Democrats, this Bill marks an important step forward in updating our country's outdated laws on sex offences.

"The increased powers to protect our children, the repeal of discriminatory laws, and the reform of the law on rape are particularly welcome, as they better reflect our modern society and way of life.

"But in some areas the Bill is lacking, and should have been improved.

"The Bill criminalises young people who engage in normal teenage sexual behaviour. We believe this goes too far, and sends out the wrong signal to our youth about what is right and what is wrong.

"Most importantly, the Bill also does not give those accused of sex offences the anonymity needed to protect their identity, prior to charge. The recent catalogue of high-profile cases like those involving Matthew Kelly and John Leslie has shown the pressing need for a change in the law.

"The great public interest in these sorts of cases means that fair trials are put at risk, reducing the chance of successful prosecutions where the allegations prove to be true.