Today in Parliament, Lucy contributed to a debate on sex offenders using changes of name and gender to avoid identification with their crimes. As the law stands, a sex offender who changes their name or gender can avoid being identified with crimes committed under their former identity.
Lucy raised the case of a constituent who had suffered abuse from an offender who has now changed both their name and gender identity. It is sadly the case that glaring loopholes exist in the safeguarding process for manipulative sexual offenders to exploit. It is crucial that these loopholes are closed to protect victims and the wider public.
The debate, secured by victims’ rights campaigner and MP for Rotherham, Sarah Champion, heard a number of speeches from Members of all parties supporting legislation to close these loopholes. The Safeguarding Minister gave the House assurances that she would study this issue further and see what more can be done by the Government to strengthen the law in this area.
Lucy will continue to campaign for justice and victims’ rights in Telford and across the UK.
