Bill Seeks to Outlaw Underage Kissing

12.00.00am GMT Mon 3rd Nov 2003

As the Sexual Offences Bill entered Report Stage in the House of Commons yesterday, Liberal Democrats attacked a provision that would criminalize kissing and other minor sexual contact between children.

In support of an amendment drafted to alter this legislation, Annette Brooke, MP addressed the House on the potential repercussions of the bill:

"A young teacher asked me at the weekend whether the Bill would mean that teachers should stop 12 and 13 year olds kissing at school discos…If the Bill criminalizes that sort of activity, what are teachers supposed to do, given the positions that they hold?"

Mrs. Brooke remains concerned about any legislation that would leave children open to prosecution for committing what she referred to as "normal teenage behaviour."

In a related portion of the Bill, Mrs. Brooke also supported provisions that would increase sentences for paedophiles, and for those sex offenders using the internet to prey on children.