Critics are advocating for Hong Kong to establish a clear, statutory definition of consent within its sexual offense reform. Experts argue that relying on common sense creates significant legal loopholes and requires clearer guidelines for better victim protection.

Including clear, comprehensive definitions of consent in Hong Kong’s reform of sexual offences will provide greater clarity for all parties and better protect victims, as critics have said current interpretations rely on “common sense”, creating legal loopholes. Barrister Stephen Keung Pit-chun said on Saturday that establishing a statutory definition of consent would be key to sentencing in future sexual offence cases. He was speaking at a forum at the University of Hong Kong alongside other...