A bill creating heavier penalties and new offences for the abuse of children and publication of associated images has passed into law.
Justice Minister Amy Adam said the Objectionable Publications and Indecency Legislation Bill will dealt with some of the most vile aspects of society which exploited children and others and then revictimised them through publication of images on the internet.
It seemed the content was getting worse and the children younger, the bill would increase penalties for such “repugnant” crimes and created new offences, Ms Adams said.
Labour’s Clare Curren said there was no question there was need for strong measures in the area. Labour would support the bill, but it did not fit into an overall strategy for dealing with on-line crimes.
The divided bill completed its third reading on a voice vote. The House then rose at 4.15 and will next sit on April 28.
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