Maurice Hayes (Independent)

Most of what I had wished to say has already been said by Senators Jim Walsh and Norris, both of whom I strongly support in this regard. It would be a pity if the House divided on this matter, because I sense that the same sense of shock and concern is felt on all sides. Nevertheless, it would give a strange signal to the public, which is convulsed by this matter, if this House, of all the fora in which it might be discussed, were to take a vow of silence. It would send an even worse signal if it were seen that Members were even divided as to the manner in which this subject might be discussed. For that reason, I appeal to the Acting Leader to establish whether it is possible to accede to the wishes of a large number of Members to at least have a debate on this matter today.

No matter what is done, I do not believe it will be possible to recapture or lasso people who, because of a defect in the legal process, have been found to be wrongly tried and convicted. That is water under the bridge. However, it is important that Members seek to protect children. An informed debate in this House might be helpful, in which Members did not try to score points, but perhaps tried to reassure the public that by and large, children are not in greater danger today than they were yesterday and that people are not waiting to harm every 15 year old. While it is important that the law is in place, I am unsure that predators, rapists and people like that go around with a copy of the Constitution or the criminal law in their pockets.