The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party deputy leader Chester Cooper has drawn support from Free National Movement Senator Jamaal Moss over his desire to raise the age of consent.

During his budget contribution on Tuesday, Senator Moss argued the age of consent for participation in sexual activity - 16 - has caused more harm than good.

“As a young Bahamian,” he said, “I want to also join the Member of Parliament that we need to seriously look at increasing the age of consent to 18. In my view, this outdated law has done more harm than good. Young Bahamians, whether they male or female, have been taken advantage of by older persons and have also lived by this false mindset that at the age of 16 it is okay to go there and have sex with whoever you please.

“I don’t care if they are out of school. They are children. At the age of 16, is it okay for me to go to any liquor store or sit at a bar table and order drinks upon drinks? No. Can a 16-year-old be registered on the voter’s list and vote? No. So why are we saying it’s okay for 16-year-olds to give consent? Something is wrong with that.”

During a recent speech before the PLP’s New Providence Women’s Branch, Mr Cooper said he disagrees with the age of consent, saying it should be 18 for men and women.

“We must protect vulnerable and inexperienced young women from being preyed upon,” he said.

Mr Moss also called for harsher penalties for weapons possession during his speech.

“I suggest that every individual who is caught with an illegal weapon be given an automatic 15 years in jail and five years per bullet,” he said. “Now some may say that’s a bit too harsh but to be honest with my fellow Bahamians I don’t care.”