Gov’t to consult on indecent assault legislation

When replying to a written enquiry from lawmaker Ng Kuok Cheong, Law Reform and International Law Bureau (DSRJDI) director Chu Lam Lam revealed that in 2015 the Macau government plans to consult the public over legislation on indecent assault.
Currently, police authorities can only charge suspects with sexual coercion or insult when they have committed crimes such as indecently assaulting another’s private body parts or sexually assaulting others through language.
Since insult is not a public crime, victims usually decide against legally pursuing the perpetrators.
Chu Lam Lam thinks that the legislation on indecent assault should involve a close study of the nature of the crime, as well as the review of criminal policies so that future laws will meet the demands of society while also being in harmony with the Penal Code.
DSRJDI also needs to communicate with the law enforcement agencies to understand the characteristics of the crime and the difficulties in enforcing the law.
She believes that consultation on the legislation can begin next year.