Co-founders of Guernsey Women’s Collective, Daisy Chapple and Sian Jones, were there to ask deputies to reject an amendment submitted by Deputy Carl Meerveld and seconded by Deputy John Dyke. The two Deputies are proposing an indefinite delay to a part of the new law which would shift the burden of proof from the alleged victim to the alleged perpetrator in cases of sexual assault where consent could not have been obtained.

The campaigners told Express that Deputy Meerveld’s amendment was “degrading to victims” of sexual offences.

“This legislation should not be delayed. These new laws are already too late for victims,” said Miss Chapple. 

“I wanted to come and show support to victims of sexual offences. We are all aware of Deputy Meerveld and his views. We are here to support Deputies like Gavin St. Pier who are trying to help and stand up for victims.”

Miss Jones was disappointed by the amendment, which was submitted by Deputies Meerveld and Dyke last week.

“What does it say to victims to delay something that would help them? This [the amendment] is really degrading to victims and to everyone and should not be supported by the States,” said Miss Jones.

Deputy Tina Bury

Pictured: Deputy Tina Bury arriving at the Royal Court for a meeting of the States. 

On her way into the Royal Court for today’s States’ meeting, Deputy Tina Bury told Express that she will be voting against the amendment from Deputy Meerveld and in favour of commencing the legislation as drafted. 

“I have received a lot of emails from victims of sexual offences sharing their stories and praying that this amendment is not passed,” said Deputy Bury.

She encouraged her colleagues to put aside personal views about deputies who may have been associated with the various proposals and debates which have led to the legislation which is back before the States today.

“It would be a real shame if something as important as this legislation is watered down by the tribalism of this current assembly,” said Deputy Bury.

Pictured (top): Deputy Carl Meerveld (left), who has submitted the delaying amendment, and campaigners Sian Jones and Daisy Chapple, who were outside the States’ meeting this morning to ask deputies to reject the amendment.