Controversial amendment to the criminal code passed in the House

Patrick Faber

Today the bill to amend the Criminal Code of Belize, after a long and torturous journey, was read a second and third time and passed through the House of Representatives. It was introduced to the House in late September, and received less than rave reviews, primarily from the churches. That led to a public session at the University of Belize to get wider input, followed by careful discussion, editing and revising where necessary. But today the bill was back in the House, a new and improved version. Its second appearance was observed in the gallery by Special Envoy for Women and Children Kim Simplis Barrow and Human Development C.E.O. Judith Alpuche, who advocated mightily for its passage. Both sides agreed that this time they got it right.

Patrick Faber, Chairman, Constitution and Foreign Affairs committee

“I felt so happy that I could have been a part of the process that is now actually making it more difficult, it is not fool proof but it is certainly making it more difficult for those persons who are harming our children. Whether they be their parent or their loved ones or propel from outside. There are people in this country that are causing tremendous irreversible harm to the children of this country, and this piece of legislature Mr. Speaker is moving us forward progressively to stop them dead in their tracks. Mr. Speaker you heard me place on record our gratitude to the bar association as well. As to others who gave us some insight Mr., Speaker, the director of public prosecution, the bar association as I mentioned, private attorney Audrey Matura-Shepherd and of course we lawn on the legal expertise, the one lawyer that is on the committee, the leader from Belize Rural Central.”

Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Member of CFA Committee

Dolores Balderamos-Gracia

“Really what the legislation is doing is bringing equal protection of the law to boys and girls from abuse. Secondly it acknowledges that perpetrators can be both female and males. Thirdly it is clearly articulating a definition of rape that will be inclusive of the kinds of abuse that we are seeing our children of Belize suffering from. It also clearly states the forms of non-penetration offenses of abuse that are perpetrated against our children. Very importantly it makes for much harsher penalties and I will tell you and I am sure the member from Collett will agree Mr. Speaker, that had we listen to some submissions some of these people would be in jail for life.”