The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Tuesday launched a one-month public consultation on proposals to overhaul the city’s laws on sexual offenses, with a pledge to better protect children and persons with mental impairment.

Based on the Law Reform Commission's recommendations and developments in other major common law jurisdictions, the HKSAR government has formulated a range of proposed amendments to update and enhance the Crimes Ordinance and related laws, according to a government spokesperson.

“At present, many of the sexual offenses in Hong Kong are based on similar provisions in the laws of England enacted in 1956. Social perceptions related to sexual offenses have been evolving over the years,” said the spokesperson, adding that “inadequacies” in existing provisions needed to be addressed.

ALSO READ: Sexual offenses: HK sets July 7 public consultation for key legislative revamp

The amendments spanning five key areas, including non-consensual sexual offenses, sexual offenses involving children, sexual offenses involving persons with mental impairment and miscellaneous sexual offenses, are aimed at strengthening protection for victims.

The spokesperson said some existing provisions lack clarity and certainty due to outdated terminology, while some offenses lack consistency in treatment across genders or carry distinctions based on sexual orientation.

Penalties for some sexual offenses, meanwhile, are not fully commensurate with the gravity of the crime committed, the spokesperson said.

“The government attaches great importance to the well-being of the general public, in particular children and persons with mental impairment, and is committed to protecting them from sexual exploitation and abuse,” the spokesperson added.