By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The Government of Belize has taken a major step toward making the national sex offenders registry publicly accessible, a move supporters say could strengthen public safety and help protect children and families.
An amendment to the Criminal Code was introduced in the House of Representatives last week that would remove the current requirement for members of the public to obtain written permission before accessing information contained in the national sex offenders database.
At present, the registry exists but access is restricted and requires authorization from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Minister of Immigration, Labor and Local Government Kareem Musa told the House that the proposed amendment would allow general public access to the database while also expanding the list of sexual offences that require convicted offenders to comply with registration requirements.
Musa said the issue has generated significant public discussion but believes making the information more accessible will enhance safety and security for Belizean families.
The proposed legislation comes after growing calls from child advocates, community leaders and members of the public who have argued that parents deserve easier access to information regarding convicted sexual offenders living in their communities.
The bill has completed its first reading and will now move to committee stage for further review and discussion.
The post Belize moves to make sex offenders registry publicly accessible appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The Government of Belize has taken a major step toward making the national sex offenders registry publicly accessible, a move supporters say could strengthen public safety and help protect children and families. An amendment to the Criminal Code was introduced in the House of Representatives last week that would
The post Belize moves to make sex offenders registry publicly accessible appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.