National

Prime Minister: Rape Is Rape, Marital Is Descriptive

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Philip Davis is defending a law he says protects women from violence, even as calls to criminalize marital rape have resurfaced.

Published

12 months ago

February 17, 2025

Joshua Williams

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Prime Minister Philip Davis is defending a law he says protects women from violence, even as calls to criminalize marital rape have resurfaced.

Back in 2022, government drafted a bill to criminalize marital rape, it was set to be presented to parliament by the end of 2023, but with parliament prorogued, the Protection Against Violence Act was later passed instead.

The law has sparked controversy., while some praise its benefits, critics say it falls short.

With recent incidents reigniting the debate, the Prime Minister insists the notion that nothing is being done is just wrong.

Despite his defense, many remain unsatisfied that the law does not specifically address marital rape.

Attorney General Ryan Pinder has also been criticized for claiming new legislation may not be a priority for the Davis administration.

However, Davis is sticking to his previously held position on the issue saying “rape is rape”, regardless of marital status.

The Bahamas Crisis Centre is among the groups demanding more action.