Hong Kong ‘actively considering’ dedicated offence to fight persistent child sex abuse

Security chief Chris Tang also reveals over 90 per cent of respondents back proposed overhaul of laws tackling sex crimes during consultation

Hong Kong is “actively considering” creating a dedicated offence to target persistent sexual abuse of children, after more than 90 per cent of suggestions from a month-long public consultation backed a proposed overhaul of laws tackling sex crimes.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Friday that more than 6,000 suggestions were received throughout the consultation period, which began on July 7 and wrapped up on Wednesday.

“All in all, over 90 per cent of suggestions supported the amendment and raised constructive opinions,” he said.

“The government will actively consider the relevant suggestion and maintain close communication with stakeholders, including members of the legal sector,” he said.

The month-long consultation sought views on proposals to modernise local sex offences laws, which are largely based on English legislation enacted in 1956.