Jordan moves to end rapist amnesty rule

AMMAN, Jordan — The lower house of Jordan’s parliament on Tuesday scrapped a provision in the kingdom’s penal code that allowed a rapist to escape punishment if he married his victim.

Cheers and applause broke out from a packed spectators gallery as legislators voted for repeal, after an emotional debate in which some of the lawmakers jumped up and yelled at each other.

The vote was hailed as a step forward for women in the conservative kingdom.

Despite the country’s pro-Western political orientation and cosmopolitan urban elites, many areas of Jordan remain socially conservative, with entrenched notions of “family honor.” This includes the belief that having a rape victim in the family is shameful and that such “shame” can be expunged through marriage.

After the debate, lawmakers voted in line with the recommendations of the government and a royal committee on legal changes. Prime Minister Hani Mulki addressed the plenum before the vote, saying the government backs repeal.

The decision must still be approved by parliament’s appointed upper house, or Senate, and by King Abdullah II.