FG criticises Government over statutory rape ballot

Fine Gael will make a concerted attempt in the Dáil to force the Government to honour its commitment to hold a referendum on the issue of statutory rape, the party leader, Enda Kenny, has pledged.

He accused the Government of reneging on its commitment in the Programme for Government to hold a referendum on the issue and said he was now determined to put the matter to a vote in the Dáil.

In 2006 the Supreme Court struck down the law which made a conviction for statutory rape automatic in the case of an adult having sex with a minor. The court ruled that the defence of “honest mistake” should be recognised.

“I think the Government’s attitude to this is absolutely scandalous. The Programme for Government was drafted by Brian Cowen. And that contained a very clear reference to having a children’s rights referendum,” said Mr Kenny.

“If we don’t get a clear commitment from Brian Cowen fairly quickly, we will draft our own private members Bill on this and bring it before the House.” Mr Kenny said the Fine Gael referendum Bill would deal specifically with the issue of statutory rape, leaving aside the wider issue of children’s rights for the moment.

Mr Kenny said the Government had established an Oireachtas committee to bring about a deeper understanding of what was involved in the issue but it was now clear following statements by the committee chairwoman, Mary O’Rourke, and the Minister for Children, Barry Andrews, that they were not going to honour the referendum commitment.

Stephen Collins, Political Editor

Full story at-http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0915/1221257219176.html

© 2008 The Irish Times

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