On Thursday, the Saeima adopted in the third reading the amendments prepared by the “Progressive” Saeima faction to the Law on the Protection of Children’s Rights, which prohibits adults in positions of power from having intimate relationships with 16- to 18-year-olds.
As “Progressivie” pointed out, the Criminal Law currently provides criminal liability for an adult for sexual acts with a child who has not reached the age of 16. It is assumed that after reaching this age, the young person has reached sexual maturity and can voluntarily enter into sexual relations, despite the fact that 16- to 18-year-olds are still very dependent on adults – especially those who take care of them, supervise them, educate them or are otherwise involved in various spheres of the young person’s life, notes the political force.
The party states that there are no shortage of cases when young people of this age were involved in sexual activities by adults, including much older persons – coaches, teachers, camp managers and the like.
“Progressives” point out that the amendments to Article 51 of the Law on the Protection of Children’s Rights prevent the so-called risk of enticing or “grooming” by providing for the prohibition of an adult who, due to his position or professional duties, is in a position of authority over a minor, to have intimate relationships or perform sexual acts with a 16- to 18-year-old young person. In case of violation of the ban, the law would provide for the obligation to terminate employment legal relations with this adult, according to the political force.
Also, the changes provide that the suspension can be requested by the State Service for the Quality of Education or Child Protection Center, if there are reasonable suspicions of a possible violation of the child’s rights. The law stipulates that the request of these institutions cannot be disputed or appealed, it must be executed immediately.
