The Editor, Sir:

The recently reported alleged 'rape' of the woman in Portmore, St Catherine, by the two policemen re-emphasises the immediate and urgent need for the amendment of the Offences Against the Person Act to include 'oral sex' in the definition of rape and its consequent punishment. At present, forced 'oral sex' is charged as 'indecent assault' with simple penalties. But these acts are abuses to women just as penetration, as rape is defined by the act.

There is a growing incidence of sexual misconduct not captured by the present law and the relevant sanctions. Hence, we of Business and Professional Women's Club - BPW, St Andrew are pleading with the Government to attach some urgency to the implementation of those recommendations of the Joint Select Committee to expand the range of sexual offences, increase the penalties to deal with the current day situations for the protection of the society. Any improvement in the law in that respect will be acceptable.

Worse than death

We recognise that the society is extremely focused on the murders being committed daily, but these acts of sexual abuse are sometimes worse than death to the victims.

We are, therefore, urging the Government to implement the recommendations of the Joint Select Committee and will be making representations to the attorney general and minister of justice to act immediately.

We are, etc.,

B.P.W. ST ANDREW

Legal and Current Affairs

Committee