TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) called on Tuesday (April 9) for bipartisan efforts in the Legislative Yuan to address gaps in current legislation concerning the exploitation of children and adolescents, urging the public to join in raising awareness about sexual exploitation and digital sexual violence against minors.
The statement comes in response to recent scandals involving entertainer Mickey Huang, who was recently found to be in possession of illicit material depicting minors, sparking public outcry.
According to the DPP, media reports have exposed so-called "members-only websites" that have long been selling non-consensual intimate images of underage girls, obtained through methods such as sexual coercion, deception, emotional manipulation, blackmail, and drugging.
DPP spokesperson Justin Wu highlighted the party's ongoing commitment to preventing sexual violence. Last March, the DPP caucus in the Legislative Yuan initiated amendments to the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act, aiming to increase penalties and criminal liability.
Wu emphasized that the DPP will continue to enhance legal measures and strictly supervise government agencies to bolster law enforcement capabilities.
Furthermore, the DPP called for cross-party cooperation to promote gender equality education, aiming to educate individuals on respecting boundaries and privacy and fostering a culture of mutual respect.
The DPP urged the public to condemn individuals involved in the possession, downloading, or purchasing of illicit material depicting minors, stressing a zero-tolerance approach towards such behavior.