Clause 20 - Abuse of position of trust: sexual activity in the presence of a child
Sexual Offences Bill [Lords]
3:00 pm
Mr Dominic Grieve (Beaconsfield, Conservative)
I have to say that when I read the clause and the other clauses it had not occurred to me that the use of the words ''sexual gratification'' was designed to narrow the scope of the definition that ''the activity is sexual''. I had not understood that at all. I had interpreted ''sexual gratification'' as anything that gives a person sexual pleasure. Engaging in passionate kissing in the back of a coach can give someone as much sexual pleasure as sexual intercourse, although it may be of a different nature. That was why I felt that the definition was strange.
I do not know whether the words ''sexual gratification'' are defined in the Bill; I confess that I have not seen, and have no recollection of, such a definition. If there is such a definition, that would support what the Under-Secretary has just said. Otherwise, if the words:
''for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification''
are given their ordinary English meaning, my interpretation—although his and that of his officials may be different—would not lead me to think that there was a distinction made, for instance, between passionate kissing and masturbation. That is something that the Government ought to consider.
However, perhaps I am quite wrong and there is a well-established definition of which I am unaware.