After the serious abuse case in Münster became known, Christine Lambrecht had initially rejected demands to tighten the sentences. Now the Justice Minister wants to present a bill before the summer break.
Berlin (dpa) - Federal Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) wants to present a bill with stricter rules against child abuse before the parliamentary summer break.
"I will submit a proposal immediately and before the summer break, which will show that these disgusting crimes will also be expressed in the judgment," said Lambrecht of the German Press Agency in Berlin. "It is important that we send out a clear signal that we are protecting our children. With punitive measures, but also with proper prevention work."
The minister added that the draft law would deal with tightening punishments, but also with requirements, for example, for repeated offenses. "We have to make sure that children are strong enough to defend themselves, to say no. And (that) we as a society also listen to them," emphasized Lambrecht. When asked whether she thought the new regulations could be adopted in the Bundestag by the end of the year, the minister said: "I will do my part to ensure that this change can be implemented as quickly as possible." Everyone could contribute to this in parliamentary proceedings.
Leading Union politicians had asked Lambrecht to draft a law with stricter rules against child abuse before the summer break. After becoming aware of a case of serious sexual abuse of several children in Münster, Lambrecht initially rejected demands for the punishment to be tightened. After reaping a lot of criticism, she turned around.