Hong Kong urged to clarify consent in reforms to close sexual offence loopholes

At a University of Hong Kong forum, barrister Stephen Keung Pit-chun and other legal experts urged the government to adopt a clear, statutory definition of consent in the city's ongoing reforms of sexual offence laws. Keung argued that the current reliance on 'common sense' interpretations leaves legal gaps that can be exploited, making it harder to secure convictions and protect victims. The Law Reform Commission's 2019 report proposed defining consent as voluntary and given by a person with capacity, explicitly excluding consent obtained through violence, coercion, or intimidation. Keung emphasized that such a definition would also be crucial for consistent sentencing.

The forum, which included rights advocates and survivors of sexual assault, highlighted the need for clarity, fairness, and stronger protections for victims. The Hong Kong government is expected to launch a public consultation soon, with legislation to be introduced before the end of 2027. The reforms aim to close loopholes and modernize the legal framework, ensuring that sexual offence cases are adjudicated with clear standards that prioritize victim safety and legal consistency.