Ukraine plans to introduce age of sexual consent
Kyiv, February 17 (Navigator, Denis Andreev) – Ukrainian human rights activists of the “La Strada-Ukraine” center are going to register in the Verkhovna Rada a bill on introducing the age of sexual consent, writes the Kommersant-Ukraine newspaper.
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Currently, the Criminal Code of Ukraine contains a ban on “sexual relations with a person who has not reached puberty” (Article 155). “When suspicion arises that a crime has been committed, a forensic examination is ordered to determine the sexual maturity of the victim. However, she often only evaluates her physical condition: if she is ready for motherhood, it means she has reached puberty,” says Marianna Evsyukova, head of the legal department of La Strada-Ukraine.
La Strada experts propose to prohibit sexual relations between an adult and a child “who has not reached 16 years of age or puberty.” The clause regarding puberty is reserved specifically for law enforcement agencies or lawyers if they have doubts that a person at this age has actually become sexually mature.
In addition, human rights activists propose to introduce punishment for the purchase of sex services by 16-17 year old teenagers in the form of an administrative fine (up to $100). The option of introducing correctional labor for up to two months with a 20 percent deduction from wages is also being discussed.
“The goal is not to bankrupt a person, but to cause public censure, which can be a good preventive mechanism,” Evsyukova emphasized.
Since human rights organizations do not have the right to introduce bills, La Strada, which has great authority in Ukraine, is going to register its initiative through people's deputies.
Ukraine plans to introduce an age of sexual consent.