Sending sexually explicit e-mails at work will soon be a crime

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

London, June 19 : As a part of the biggest overhaul of sex offences in Scotland, a new bill has been unveiled that states that people who send sexually explicit e-mails at work can be accused of being sex offenders.

The new statutory offence of "communicating indecently" will criminalize those who send malicious and unwanted sexually offensive e-mails and texts, as well as other verbal and written messages.

The bill, which was revealed on June 18, contains proposals for a raft of other new offences, covering areas such as indecent exposure and spiking drinks for the purpose of having sex.

It proposes a crackdown on "sex tourism", with Scottish law-enforcement agencies empowered to investigate and prosecute any adult who has intercourse with a child overseas.

The bill also seeks to overhaul the law on rape. The planned legislation also widens the definition of rape to include the abuse of males.

The proposals are based on recommendations in a report published last December by the Scottish Law Commission. It had been commissioned in 2004 to examine the law on rape and other sexual offences.

Lily Greenan, the manager of Scottish Women's Aid, warmly welcomed the new law.

"Mobile phones and e-mails have increasingly been used to harass and intimidate both ex-partners and complete strangers. This is a positive step, as we need to ensure people on the receiving end are protected," The Scotsman quoted her, as saying.

ANI

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