THE HOUSE of Representatives gave the nod to the Sexual Offences Bill on Tuesday after reviewing 28 amendments made by the Senate in July.

Tabled in the House earlier this year, the bill reforms and amalgamates the various laws relating to rape, incest and other sexual offences. It also repeals the Incest (Punishment) Act, as well as several provisions of the Offences Against the Person Act.

It also provides for the establishment of a Sex Offenders Registry, which will maintain a list of sex offenders.

Member of Parliament for St Catherine Central Olivia Grange said the amendments would have a more far-reaching impact in relation to the protection of women and children.

Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller welcomed the legislation, stating, "The Senate was very meticulous … and so we have no difficulty accepting the recommendations coming from the Senate."

Prime Minister Bruce Golding had previously sought leave of Parliament to withdraw the bill, due to the significant number of amendments that had to be made.