Bahrain Shura unanimously vote against allowing rapists to marry victims to avoid punishment

TDT | Manama                                                            

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano  

A law that allowed a rapist to avoid punishment if he married his victim was repealed by the Bahrain Shura Council with a unanimous vote. To ensure that perpetrators get proper punishment for their heinous acts, women's rights advocates have long called for the removal of Article 353 from the 1976 Penal Code.

The legislation put women in a tight spot since they often had to show that the act was not voluntary, which is challenging, especially when there are no witnesses or other tangible proof. When the majority of MPs supported repealing the law during their weekly parliamentary session yesterday, The Daily Tribune reported on this two weeks prior.

This legislation does not only put women in difficult situations, but it also makes it plain that a rapist may avoid punishment if he marries his victim, and it has been openly criticised for violating the rights of women.

Many proponents of women's rights and detractors of the laws contend that they convey the harmful impression that rape is acceptable or even condoned in Bahrain. Additionally, it means that Bahrain probably does not take rape seriously.

These messages not only physically damage rape victims when they are forced to wed their rapists, but they also affect all women if they are not provided with the necessary safety and assistance in a very difficult circumstance.

When nations let people exercise their fundamental human rights, society and nations thrive. However, as society and individuals adapt to modern times, strong requests for reforming Bahrain's rape laws emerged.

Those in positions of authority are realising the need to repeal antiquated laws to make way for modernisation and a nation where women feel secure and protected. Although the Council agreed to repeal the statute with a unanimous majority, the ultimate decision will happen during Parliament's session the following week.