By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The debate over Belize’s age of consent is back in the spotlight.
Church Senator Louis Wade wants it raised from 16 to 18, saying it would better protect young people, especially girls, from being preyed upon.
He says the two year gap between the age of consent and adulthood creates a gray area that predators can take advantage of. If the age were 18, he argues, advances toward 16 and 17 year olds would be clearly illegal.
Wade notes that Belize already moved the minimum marriage age to 18, and believes the consent law should match.
Supporters of raising the age say it would give stronger protection to teenagers, particularly against older adults and people in positions of authority such as teachers, coaches and religious leaders.
Others raise concerns that a higher age of consent could criminalize consensual relationships between teenagers close in age, and point out that many countries address the issue through close in age exceptions or tougher laws targeting abuse of trust and authority instead.
Wade says the churches have asked the Government to change the law but have been turned down.
So we want to hear from you, Belize. Should the age of consent be raised to 18? Tell us what you think in the comments.
The post Should Belize raise the age of consent from 16 to 18? appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): The debate over Belize’s age of consent is back in the spotlight. Church Senator Louis Wade wants it raised from 16 to 18, saying it would better protect young people, especially girls, from being preyed upon. He says the two year gap between the age of consent and adulthood
The post Should Belize raise the age of consent from 16 to 18? appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.