Government to back referendum on statutory rape

THE Government is expected to back a recommendation by the Oireachtas Committee on Child Protection to hold a referendum on the right of an accused to defend themselves in cases of statutory rape.

A report outlining changes required to the law regarding sexual offences and protection of children, says a referendum is needed to reverse the decision made by the Supreme Court last May that an accused can use the defence of “honest mistake” about the age of a minor.

It’s likely that the electorate will be asked to vote on this, as well as a second amendment to include the express rights of a child in the Constitution.