Contentious Talks At Marital Rape Meeting

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – New legal definitions for rape and consent may be on the way if amendments to the Sexual Offenses Act are approved. 

Politicians, faith leaders, social workers and concerned citizens gathered at Breezes this morning for the Symposium on “Sexual Offences Legislation”. 

The long awaited Symposium on “Sexual Offences Legislation” happened today, where politicians, faith leaders and the public met to discuss legislative changes that could lead to the criminalization of marital rape.

Attorney General Ryan Pinder walked the audience through an overview presentation of proposed changes to the Sexual Offenses Bill.

Bahamas Crisis Center Administrator Cleopatra Christie gave the first presentation this morning, and is hopeful about today’s discussions.

We asked Social Services Minister, Obie Wilchcombe, for a timeline on the legislation now that the symposium has been held.

But not everyone is on board for the changes, Reverend Lloyd Smith, President of the Baptist Convention in The Bahamas sharing his opinion.

Social services worker, Lisa Brown, feels that while marriage may be complicated, consent is not.