Senator wants harsher penalties for killers of women, children

Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter

Opposition Senator Kamina Johnson Smith has called for more severe punishment for persons found guilty of murdering women and children.

Johnson Smith, in giving notice of a motion in the Senate this morning, suggested that a joint-select committee be established to suggest amendments to existing legislation.

Noting that there has been an unprecedented murder of pregnant women in the past 12 months, and that more than 1,600 children were killed in the past 12 years, Johnson Smith said there has also been an increase in the incidence of barbaric attacks against women and children.

Johnson Smith said the committee should consider amendments to the Offences Against the Person Act, the Sexual Offences Act and the Childcare and Protection Act and arrive at appropriate punishments for crimes such as the murder of women and children, sexual offences against children, the abduction of children.

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daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com