Government promotes child sex

We vehemently declare that our government has deteriorated to neanderthalism.

The National Assembly has passed the Sexual Offences Amendment Act. The bill absurdly states that children aged between 12-15 years can consent to sex with each other. It also allows a child aged 16 or 17 years to have consensual sex with a child of between 12 and 15 years of age if the age difference is two years or less.

The African Christian Democratic Party considers the passing of this act as a gross violation of the moral fibre of society and an insult to the rights of children in our nation.

This Act is a paradox because it spits in the face of the Child Protection Act which states that “exposing or subjecting a child to behaviour that may harm the child psychologically or emotionally” is criminal. Yet government has placed children in harm’s way considering that 12 year olds are not mature enough to make sexual decisions or understand the consequences thereof. Moreover government is exposing children to the risks of HIV/Aids and other STDs, prostitution, statutory rape, abortion and child pornography.

Our weak-willed government has been hoodwinked about the consequences of their actions but the ACDP would like to enlighten them.

To begin with, school communities will become platforms for sexual activity for learners whilst education staff will be unable to contend with sexually unruly and chaotic learners. Teenage pregnancies will increase and so will school drop-out rates. Likewise unemployment and other socio-economic problems in the country will soar. Children as young as 12 years will be allowed abortions and without the presence of their parents or adults guardians. Furthermore, it also places an unfair burden on parents by taking away their rights to restrain their children from sexual activity; children will be free to make their own decisions regarding sex.

By passing this Act, parliament is encouraging the growth of child pornography as an industry and other crimes in South Africa.

Other nations, including the United States, do not promulgate consensual sex for under 16’s. This Act makes South Africa the most liberal nation in the world with respect to the age of sexual consent among children. The ACDP believes that this is despicable, shameful and definitely not something society should be proud of.

COUNCILLOR NEL SEWRAJ

Ballito