Chang orders review of rules on release of information on sex offenders

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has directed his ministry's legal team to review existing legislation to determine whether it allows for wider sharing of information on convicted sex offenders.

The law currently allows for select institutions to be advised of details concerning convicted offenders, upon request of the institution. These institutions include schools.

"I have asked the legal team within the Ministry of National Security to examine the law to determine the extent to which it allows for wider publication of the names of convicted sexual offenders. I have moved to have my team review the law in light of concerns that the list of stakeholders who should have access to the information should be wider," Chang said in a media release.

He said the overall important objective of the review is to ensure that the public has information which allows them to take precautions and prevent exposure to convicted predators.

During the first term of the current administration, a committee of parliament had reviewed the matter of the Sex Offenders Registry and a framework was established.

The issue of access to the Sex Offenders Register has been hotly debated following the murder of  schoolteacher Danielle Anglin.

The police have stated that a convicted sex offender is behind her May 13 abduction and murder.

The suspect is in police custody.

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