Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023

Prohibition of grant of immunity: sexual offences

2 (1) A grant of immunity for an identified possible offence is prohibited if it is—

(a) a sexual offence, or

(b) an inchoate offence relating to a sexual offence.

(2) For the purposes of this paragraph “sexual offence” includes—

(a) rape;

(b) any offence committed by—

(i) sexual assault,

(ii) sexual activity, or

(iii) causing or inciting another person to engage in sexual activity;

(c) any offence relating to indecent images of children.

(3) For the purposes of this paragraph “inchoate offence relating to a sexual offence” includes an offence of—

(a) attempting to commit a sexual offence;

(b) conspiracy to commit a sexual offence;

(c) incitement to commit a sexual offence;

(d) aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of a sexual offence.

(4) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision about the meaning of—

(a) “sexual offence”, or

(b) “inchoate offence relating to a sexual offence”;

for the purposes of this Part of this Schedule (including provision specifying offences which are to comprise, or to be included in, that definition).

(5) Regulations under this paragraph are subject to negative procedure.