Kyodo News Service

New law eyed to ban sexual exploitation of children

The sources said they are considering punishing both violations in Japan and those abroad.

While Japan's Criminal Code bans sexual relations with those aged 12 or younger, prostitution of those aged 13 or older is covered only by prefectural ordinances.

The new law will be aimed at protecting those between 13 and 17 from sexual exploitation, they said.

They said they are also considering introducing a total ban on trade in children aged 17 or younger. At present, Japan punishes ''sales'' of children but puts no restrictions on ''buying'' of them.

A task force, formed mainly by female legislators of the LDP, the Social Democratic Party and New Party Sakigake, has been working to enact the law, which is planned for presentation before the next regular Diet session, which starts next January.

The legislators have been influenced by the first World Congress against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in late August last year, which brought more than 1,000 delegates from 130 nations to Stockholm. At the congress, experts pointed out that Southeast Asia remains a major destination for child-sex tourists.