Parliament Moves Against Pedophiles

Without a dissenting vote, the House of Commons gave preliminary approval Friday to legislation which would permit prosecution of Britons who organize foreign tours for pedophiles.

“This bill will not eradicate sex tourism. But it will be a valuable addition in the battle against this evil trade, a trade that every member of this house must condemn,” said John Marshall, a Conservative lawmaker who proposed the bill.

The bill faces another vote in the House of Commons this year before it can move on the House of Lords.

The thriving child-sex business in several countries - particularly Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Brazil - has been getting increasing attention from legislators in other countries. The United States, Germany and Australia in 1994 outlawed travel abroad for the purpose of engaging in sex with minors.