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That is an event of some moment for child rights activists - who have long lobbied for more progressive protection for children. And so today, personnel from the National Committee for families and children, the Ministry of Human development and the special Envoy for women and children filled the gallery. They also brought in some Belmopan school children to show solidarity. CEO in the Ministry Judith Alpuche explained to them the significance of their presence:...

Judith Alpuche, CEO in the Ministry of Human Development and Social Services
"The law provides or this bill is trying to provide equal protection for girls and boys. To look at all forms of sexual abuse and protect children and young people better and also people with mental disabilities and create this registry that will help those on the front lines to be able to identify predators and try to keep them away from children."

She shared those remarks before the meeting, and when the meeting started chairman of the Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee Patrick Faber outlined its importance - and it was something that both sides of the house could actually agree on. We have those remarks but first, we warn you that due to the nature of the legislation some of the language is not appropriate for children:

Hon. Patrick Faber
"Mr. Speaker, I was particularly touched by some of the witnesses who shared why it was so absolutely important for us despite the kinds of concerns and some mischief that some corners were trying to bring for us to pass this piece of legislation. I listen as CEO Alpuche and I hope she doesn't mind me say, but I think she said it publicly - shared a situation of a child that was finger raped. that was molested with a finger and that any serious charge could not be brought against that person simply because there was no legislation to cover that."

"I listen as well Mr. Speaker, a little girl who I believe is in 6th form or at UB now, thanked the committee and thank the ministry for putting forward this piece of legislation because she was molested or she was raped and her perpetrator got off because there was not enough legislation to nailed this person down. This is the reason I felt so happy to have been a part of the process that actually making it more difficult, it's not full proof, but it making it more difficult for these persons who are harming our children, whether they be their parents or their loved ones or people from outside. There are people in this country that are causing tremendous irreversible harm to the children of this country and this piece of legislation Mr. Speaker is moving us forward progressively to stop them dead in their tracks."

Hon. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia
"I do want to pause Mr. Speaker to actually say in agreement with the Honorable member for Collet that it was extremely touching to have listen to many of the submissions especially from persons who had themselves been victims of abuse to really bring it home to all of us that this legislation is long overdue, but now that we are doing it, we must get it done."

"I also want to take this opportunity to give a very big salute to Ms. Judith Alpuche. I think Judith, Mr. Speaker, has been a champion."

The bill will now go to the senate for consideration.