Bahamian Deputy Prime Minister - Chester Cooper: I am also for eliminating any ambiguity in the law with regard to teenage minors consenting to sex with adults - once again, they cannot.
The current discussion about the age of consent should be followed by action on the part of lawmakers.
I have previously called for the legal age of consent to be increased to 18 years of age, and I stand by that today.
This will further protect minors and make clear that children who cannot drink alcohol, join law enforcement, open a bank account, stand before a court as an an adult or vote, for example, cannot reasonably consent to sex with an adult.
Any law that suggests otherwise is out of step with what the vast majority of those whom the law is supposed to serve believe.
I am also for eliminating any ambiguity in the law with regard to teenage minors consenting to sex with adults - once again, they cannot.
Laws must change as the values of society evolve and mature.
Cabinet is considering measures to bring about these changes and they are long overdue.
