Jordan repeals ’marry the rapist’ clause

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

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

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

“This is a victory for the women’s movement and human rights movement in Jordan,” said Salma Nims, the secretary-general of the Jordanian National Commission for Women.

Despite the country’s pro-Western political orientation and cosmopolitan urban elites, many areas of Jordan remain socially conservative, with entrenched notions of “family honour”.

This includes the belief that having a rape victim in the family is shameful, and that such “shame” can be expunged through marriage.

In yesterday’s debate, some lawmakers had argued that an amended version of Article 308 was needed to protect rape victims against social stigma by giving them the marriage option.

In the end, lawmakers voted in line with the recommendations of the government and a royal committee on legal reforms.

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. After the expected final approval, Jordan would join Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt which have cancelled their “marry the rapist” clauses over the years.

The international rights group Human Rights Watch said Lebanon’s parliament is also considering repealing such a provision.

In a statement issued before yesterday’s vote, the New York-based watchdog said that scrapping Article 308 “would be a positive step to strengthen the rule of law and end impunity for violence against women”. — AP