RIGA - Members of the Progressives faction in the Saeima have drafted amendments to the Law on the Protection of Children's Rights aimed at improving the legal protection of minors from sexual abuse by banning adults in positions of power from engaging in sexual relations with 16 to18 year-olds.
As the party told LETA, the law currently criminalizes sex between a person of legal age and a child under 16 years of age. It is presumed that after reaching this age, a young person has reached sexual maturity and can voluntarily engage in sexual relations, despite the fact that 16 to 18-year-olds are still highly dependent on adults, especially those who educate them, care for them or are otherwise involved in various aspects of youngsters' lives, the Progressives argued.
The party notes that there are many cases where young people of this age have been involved in sexual activities with adults (including parents), such as coaches, teachers, camp leaders, and the like.
The Progressives argue that the proposed amendments to Article 51 of the Law on the Protection of the Rights of Children's Rights would reduce the risk of grooming by prohibiting an adult who is in a position of authority over a minor because of his or her official or professional duties from engaging in intimate relations or sexual activities with a 16 to 18-year-old. In the event of a breach of the prohibition, the adult would lose their job, the political party said.
The Progressives faction is expected to decide on the submission of the proposal to the Saeima at its meeting on Wednesday.
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