National

Draft Legislation To Outlaw Marital Rape

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – New draft legislation, if passed, will outlaw marital rape. The news on the controversial issue coming from the social services minister.

Published

3 years ago

September 9, 2022

Our News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – New draft legislation – if passed – will now outlaw marital rape. The news on the controversial issue coming from the social services minister today. A former prime minister is also weighing in.

As the government prepares to begin consultation on the issue of marital rape, Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe says he’s pleased with draft legislation, which he says outlines that rape can occur in a marriage.

Wilchcombe’s comments come after a controversial Supreme Court ruling in a divorce case which says: Bahamian law doesn’t make way for marital rape. The ruling came as a wife accused her then-husband of having sexual intercourse with her against her will numerous times.

Prime Minister Philip Davis called the ruling curious, adding that the law says if a husband and wife are separated, rape can occur.

Today, Wilchcombe saying it’s an issue that must be tackled.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham also weighing in saying his government made an attempt to bring marital rape laws to parliament but was unsuccessful.

We also put the question to former Prime Minister Perry Christie who remained tightlipped on his views.