National

Davis: Rape is Rape

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Philip Davis once again facing questions over whether his government intends to criminalize marital rape.

Published

2 years ago

February 22, 2022

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Philip Davis once again facing questions over whether his government intends to criminalize marital rape. He tells reporters, “rape is rape” and he will be guided by recommendations from a recent forum.

He also defended his administration’s legislative agenda.

Prime Minister Davis is vague when asked about whether his government will bring legislation to criminalize marital rape.

Davis says recommendations will be made according to the National Gender-Based Violence Law Review Forum, adding legislation will be brought forward and enacted, so long as it is deemed appropriate by cabinet.

His comments come as the issue of gender-based violence remains at the forefront of national discussions.

In late 2017, the United Nations special rapporteur on violence against women said The Bahamas was out of step with the UN’s convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women as it has failed to criminalize all forms of marital rape.

Successive administrations have declared a willingness to amend The Bahamas’ Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, 1991 to criminalize marital rape, but no such action has been taken.

Davis explained a conference was held to chart the way forward.

When asked, Davis said related legislation could be brought this term.

This as he also sought to defend his government’s legislative agenda against critics who say they’re not taking it seriously.

This as the mid-year budget report will be delayed for two weeks.