LEGISLATORS concerned about the halting of a rape trial involving a deaf, mute woman may table a private member's bill to speed up a review of laws on the mentally handicapped.
In the High Court this week, Mr Justice Woo stopped a rape trial after the alleged victim, a slightly mentally retarded, deaf, mute woman, was overcome by distress during cross-examination.
In July, independent legislator Vincent Cheng Hoi-chuen said he was considering tabling a private member's bill on the issue.
He was not available for comment last night, but colleague Hui Yin-fat said the case highlighted the inadequacy of existing laws.
Present legislation did not protect the mentally handicapped in a court environment designed for normal people. The need for a comprehensive review had been addressed to the Health and Welfare branch a couple of years ago, he said.
However, he claimed the Government was reluctant to carry out a review insisting it would take too long.