moved for leave to introduce Bill C-504, an act to amend the Criminal Code (prohibited sexual acts).
Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to introduce this private member's bill which proposes to amend the section of the Criminal Code dealing with prohibited sexual acts committed with children or in the presence of children, and would prohibit such acts where they are committed with children under the age of 16. It would essentially raise the age of consent for sexual activity from 14 to 16 years. It would also provide for a minimum sentence of five years imprisonment for anyone convicted of an offence under sections 151 and 152 of the Criminal Code.
Given the recent ruling about child pornography in B.C. and the presentation of a petition of over 100,000 signatures calling for the protection of the most vulnerable members of our society from sexual abuse, I think this House will find this bill very timely. I look forward to receiving the full support of all parties. I thank the member for Kelowna for seconding this bill.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)