The UK government has agreed to consider a new law that would eliminate parental rights for convicted paedophiles guilty of the most serious sexual offences against children. The proposed legislation comes in response to the case of a woman who spent £30,000 on legal fees in an attempt to prevent her ex-husband, a convicted paedophile, from gaining access to their daughter. Under the proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, anyone found guilty of raping a child under 13 would be automatically stripped of their parental rights and could only regain them following a court appeal.
The Lord Chancellor, who oversees constitutional affairs, has agreed to the amendment, which is due to be considered by the House of Commons before passing onto the House of Lords. The move follows an amendment to the Bill by Harriet Harman MP, which was supported by the Labour Party. Ms Harman welcomed the change, which she proposed after hearing the radio report of the case involved. She noted the legislation would save some mothers from having to pay thousands in court fees to protect their children, as well as curtailing the ability of convicted paedophiles to retain rights over their offspring.
The woman involved in the original case, who has been granted anonymity, faced difficulties when trying to prevent her former husband, who was in prison but retained some rights over their daughter’s education, health and travel, from accessing their daughter. She won her case in Cardiff Family Court, but only after substantial effort and legal expense. The woman said she was comfortable with others being aware of her situation, but used an anonymised name.
The case highlights the potential negative effects of sexual criminal activity on children. Proponents of the proposed law argue it will strengthen provisions to protect vulnerable children and ensure that parental rights cannot be used as a way of reintegrating convicted paedophiles into society
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