Results 9,921-9,940 of 18,729 for speaker:Michael McDowell

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: That is not so.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: Rubbish.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: Nonsense.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: I thank the Members of the House who contributed to this debate and made some very useful points. I would like to say, a preliminary remark, that I have noted on two occasions that some Deputies in this House think it is okay to shout me down, to interrupt my speech and to spend minutes barracking me and shouting and roaring at me. I refer to the debate on the Bill introducing the citizenship...

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: It is not acceptable that that should happen in a democratic Assembly. I contrast my treatment in this House with the treatment of Deputy Kenny, who was allowed to make a reflective speech without interruption from this side of the House. He was able to make his speech in circumstances of dignity, even though some of us on this side disagreed radically with some of the things he was saying. I...

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: I would like to consider a point that was made by Deputy Howlin. I am sorry if I was short with him in the course of his speech. Having been told that I was nothing short of a disgrace and having been barracked for a long time——

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: I accept that. Nobody who is in the House at present behaved in such a manner, although I note that Deputy Stagg has sneaked into the House — I will allow him to stay under the radar this time. Deputy Howlin suggested that I am wrong on the issue of a 15 year old boy who engages in consensual acts which amount to gross indecency with an adult, but we have been checking the issue. As far as...

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have checked it through the Attorney General's office. I cannot find any statutory provision that states a 15 and a half year old boy cannot consent. Deputy Howlin may be able to find it and if he draws my attention to it I will concede he is right.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: That is for a child under the age of 15 years. Regarding gross indecency for children over 15 years of age, will the Deputy draw my attention to any statutory provision which states consent is not a defence?

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: There is no point in debating this now. I will concede to the Deputy if he can find any statutory basis that states a 15 and a half year old boy is precluded from consenting to an act of gross indecency.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: Yes, it never has been according to the advice I am getting.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: No it was not. Consent——

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: We will not solve this problem now. There is a difference of opinion on this issue.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: I accept it is a problem. We do not agree on the law.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: That brings me to another issue.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: This legislation is being brought through in rapid order. Ten days ago when I said I would like two weeks to get the legislation through I was told no, it must be done now. I was told I was living on another planet and did not understand the gravity of the situation.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: I was told that at great length but the fact is that this legislation is important. Even if it was a temporary provision, it would be an important Act.

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: I have done my best to listen to all the views of all the justice spokespersons. I have not been able to accept them all but I met them on several occasions to try to get an understanding of where the consensus of opinion lies on this issue in this House, it not being matter on which any of us sought an electoral mandate which divides us. There is a clear division of views in the House. Some...

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: ——in those circumstances it would be an offence for a boy to have sexual intercourse with a girl at the age of 16 and a half years but not for the girl. Questions have been put——

Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006: Second Stage. (2 Jun 2006)

Michael McDowell: Why is Deputy Burton shouting me down yet again?