moved for leave to introduce Bill 209, an act to amend the Criminal Code (prohibited sexual acts).
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to reintroduce my private member's bill. This bill seeks to raise the legal age of sexual consent from age 14 to age 16. It would thus make it a criminal offence for an adult to engage in sex with children under the age of 16.
The bill was first introduced in 1996 and reintroduced in 1997. However, the growing concern over child pornography and child prostitution in the country makes it even more urgent for the enactment of this legislation to protect the young and vulnerable in our society from predators among us.
For the sake of our children I appeal to members of the House to give serious consideration to the bill and lend their support accordingly.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)