FULL TEXT: MPs Deny Calling For The Reduction Of Age S_exual Consent

Age of sexual consent, setting the record straight

We have noted with concerned deliberate misinformation of the Zimbabwean public on issues relating to sexual consent.

As the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health and Child Care, I wish to set the record straight with respect to the issues discussed in our session.

Firstly the Parliamentary Committee did not at any point make the suggestion to the effect of reducing the age of consent from 16 to 12.

In fact, the suggestion was that there be an increase from 16 to 18 in line with the definition of a child provided in section 81 of the Constitution.

However, in pursuit of the full realization of the right to health provided in section 76 of the supreme law, the members in the committee were of the view that the access to medical attention for sexually active minors be reduced from 16 to 12.

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The intention is to allow access to sexual reproductive health to minors without the hindrance of the condition of being accompanied by an adult.

We want to assure the nation that discussions will always focus on methods of protecting children as opposed to exposing them.

We, however, note that communication of important discussions in Parliament is still distorted by the few who have access to it, we hope that there will be an investment in accessible media for the majority to watch first hand.

Hon Ruth Labode(MP)
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health and Child Care

Related:

• MPs Call For Age Of S_xual Consent To Be Lowered To 12 Years

• Dr Labode Rejects “Reduce Age Of S_xual Consent” Allegations