Mollycoddling of young men by their mothers has contributed to the increase in stalking, it has been claimed.

Sen. Larry Scott said the lovesick infatuation of Bermudian men towards women has been partly caused by mothers who treat their sons as babies throughout their early adult life.

"I think this is behind people who stalk in a Bermuda context,'' he said.

"It is a kind of lovesick attitude that remains with someone, and they feel no one else should have that person.'' The Senator blamed mothers for not allowing their sons to accept rejection properly, which meant that when they were spurned they went looking for the person to find out why, which sometimes led to trouble.

He was speaking as the Senate passed the Stalking Amendment Act 1998.

The amendment gives new powers to Police to arrest without warrant a person who is suspected of committing an offence.

It also gives the courts power to issue a protection order to a complainant and search premises without a warrant.

Sen. Yvette Swan said the legislation was important in cases where people had been subjected to telephone or electronic stalking.

Sen. Neletha Butterfield said she was concerned about the possible abuse of Police powers and called for some reassurance that officers didn't overstep the boundaries when dealing with accusations of stalking.

She said there was a need for people to be protected but there was also a requirement that people needed the right information when a case came to court, to avoid embarrassment.

Sen. Milton Scott echoed her words and warned about overzealous Police officers.

And he added that there was a need within the amendment to allow for rehabilitation.

By passing the amendment, the Government was sending a message to the public that stalking would not be tolerated, said Sen. Allan Marshall .

Sen. Angelita Fox said there was a need for people to feel safe, since many were concerned about crime.

The need for such legislation was part and parcel of the 20th century, said Sen. E. T. (Bob) Richards , and they were informing people that it was not acceptable any more.

"The change has been brought on by women in our society,'' he said. "It is women who are getting stalked -- any men would brag about it to their friends.

"This act is a reflection of women having a greater say in our society and that is a good thing.''