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Scotland - Ministers amend sex offences Bill

Scottish ministers have removed references to the age of offenders and victims from a proposed sexual grooming law after charities highlighted that children could also display predatory behaviour.

The Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill originally stated it would be an offence for a person aged 18 or over to meet a person aged under 16 after making preliminary contact.

Tam Baillie, assistant director of policy at Barnardo's Scotland, said guidance after the Bill makes it through should highlight procedures for dealing with offenders who are under 16.

And the Scottish Executive refused to bow to pressure from magazine publishers who fear the Bill could criminalise people giving young people sexual health advice by allowing authorities to apply for a Risk of Sexual Harm Order. An Executive spokeswoman said the Bill was "not going to criminalise somebody for putting educational material in the public domain".


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