Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Draft Amendment Bill
Call for comments opened 09 December 2022 Share this page:Submissions are now closed (since 31 January 2023)
Justice and Correctional Services
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development invites interested parties to submit written comments on the proposed Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill, 2022 (the Bill).
Comments must be submitted to the Chief Directorate: Legislative Development at [email protected] by no later than Tuesday, 31 January 2023
The purpose of the Bill is to repeal the Sexual Offences Act, 1957 (Act No. 23 of 1957) as well as section 11 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No. 32 of 2007) to decriminalise the sale and purchase of adult sexual services and to provide for matters connected therewith.
The Bill only decriminalises sex work insofar as it relates to the buying and selling of adult sexual services. Engaging in sexual services with children or persons who are mentally disabled remains an offence under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007.
Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the legislative development process, by making inputs based on facts in order to improve the Bill.
Further information can be obtained from the Chief Directorate: Legislative Development at 012 406 4769/ 4753.