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Hong Kong ‘actively considering’ dedicated offence to fight persistent child sex abuse

Hong Kong is “actively considering” creating a dedicated offence to target persistent sexual abuse of children, after more than 90 per cent of suggestions from…

By Samantha Johnson / August 7, 2026

Hong Kong is “actively considering” creating a dedicated offence to target persistent sexual abuse of children, after more than 90 per cent of suggestions from a month-long public consultation backed a proposed overhaul of laws tackling sex crimes.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Friday that more than 6,000 suggestions were received throughout the consultation period, which began on July 7 and wrapped up on Wednesday.

“All in all, over 90 per cent of suggestions supported the amendment and raised constructive opinions,” he said.

Tang added that authorities would actively study calls to introduce a stand-alone offence covering persistent child sexual abuse, noting that the Hong Kong Bar Association had broadly endorsed the proposal after weighing various factors.

“The government will actively consider the relevant suggestion and maintain close communication with stakeholders, including members of the legal sector,” he said.

The month-long consultation sought views on proposals to modernise local sex offences laws, which are largely based on English legislation enacted in 1956.

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