CSOs: Drop public order law
AJ OI NT s t a t e ment issued by 36 civil society organisations over the weekend urged the government to drop its recent draft law on public order that they said will harm women’s rights.
One provision of the bill prohibits women from wearing revealing clothes.
The statement asserted the draft law would put unfair restrictions on the behaviour and clothing choices of women while perpetuating gender discrimination.
It read: “We call on the government to drop this draft law on public order completely and immediately. Instead, the government should make it a priority to address all forms of gender discrimination, including gender-based violence and discrimination in the education system. It should also promote socioeconomic and political participation through legal reform and policy change.”
Eng Chandy, a gender and development network coordinator, said the government will not be able to fulfil its commitment to achieve gender equality if it continues to degrade women.
She said according to the draft law, women are accused of endangering society because they choose not to dress conservatively.
Chandy added that the government would not be able to tackle the rising rate of sexual violence and sexual harassment in society if it did not promote the full rights of women to control their bodies.
“The draft law restricts women’s freedom of expression and strengthens negative gender stereotypes. The draft law denies women the right to choose their own clothes, accusing them of having a negative appearance that has a negative impact on national traditions and dignity,” she said.
On June 16, the Ministry of Interior finalised the draft law in its first phase and sent it to the 25 municipal and provincial administrations for input in order to improve it.
Ministry secretary of state Ouk Kim Lek told The Post on Sunday that some sections of the law were aimed at banning nudity in public places, and that the content of the bill was subject to changes.
Kim Lek said the law still needs input from many parties to amend its content but it would not be possible to completely repeal it.
“I think our country should have a law to be respected by all. The law has not yet been promulgated. Now civil society should join in saying what this law should do, what should be done for all of us. They haven’t seen anything yet, but [they are] urging us to drop this law. I do not understand,” he said.
Kim Lek said at this stage, all 25 capital and provinces have sent their comments on the draft law, expressing their support for it and requesting clarification on certain points. The technical working group will hold a meeting at an appropriate time to correct the draft law, he said.