The Plenary of the National Assembly of Panama approved, in the third and last debate, Bill No. 51, which creates the National System for the Official Registry of Sex Offenders.

The legislative initiative approved with 39 votes in favor, 0 against and 0 abstentions, will establish a system that will contain detailed information on persons of legal age who are convicted or are serving sentences through a duly enforceable sentence for crimes against sexual freedom and integrity. in its various forms (trafficking in persons, minors and trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual exploitation).

It also establishes that it is the task of the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ), to preserve the information of the data of sexual offenders in the national system that will be implemented, in addition to acquiring a digital platform for the storage of the data.

For the proponent of the project, Congresswoman Zulay Rodríguez, urged Panama to approve an official registry in order to protect the rights of children and adolescents due to their state of vulnerability.

On July 28, the Government, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Committee issued a report on the partial objections due to inconvenience made by the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo to Bill No. 51 against articles 8, 9, 10 , 17 and 19. Subsequently, it recommended to the Plenary to make the initiative viable.

After the approval of this project in the third debate, the endorsement of the Panamanian president is expected.