And with the number of carnal knowledge, sexual assault and rape of minors cases in the news these past few weeks, Garcia was also asked for an update on the discussions as to whether the age of consent should be changed from 16 to 18. She says she can't make that call on her own:
Thea Garcia Ramirez, Minister of Human Development, Families and Gender Affairs:
"I would really like - to me personally - but it's not only me. We had a very difficult time and in some sectors and some organisations did have a pushback to us raising the age for marriage as a matter of fact. From 16 with parental consent to 18 and now even with parental consent you can't allow children to marry. There are other countries around us, Mexico most notably where the age of consent and the age of marriage is 18 so you are an adult when you are an adult and that is when these things can happen. Unfortunately there is also the thought that people are going to do what they want whether or not the law allows or disallows it but certainly I believe the longer children wait to start their engaging in sexual activities the safer it is for them. The more clarity of thought that can be had so I am of the opinion that the longer young people wait the better it is for them. Because you are able to make better decisions."
