Comments on marital rape issue

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I READ with consternation (but not surprise) the remarks of Evangelist Rex Major on the impending marital rape legislation at the recent ecumenical service celebrating The Bahamas’ 50th anniversary of independence. A few of his remarks caught my attention:

1. Evangelist Major objects to the marital rape law because he says “people does lie”. Based on his later remarks, in which he said that women might falsely cry rape to get out of their marriages, I assume by “people”, he means women. Why does Evangelist Major – like so many Bahamian men – have such a low opinion of women? Do women lie any more than men? To my knowledge, Evangelist Major has daughters. Does he think his daughters would falsely accuse their husbands of rape? Does he paint them with the same brush of the lying Jezebel? If not, why does he think other women would behave any differently?

2. Secondly, because there is a chance that a woman might lie, does that mean we should not have laws against marital rape? Children can lie too, but that doesn’t mean we should not have laws against child molestation, does it?

3. Evangelist Major says that marital rape would be hard to prove. Well, it would be no different than the present law where a man rapes a woman who is not his wife. The onus would be on the wife to prove that a rape occurred, not on the husband to prove that there was no rape.

4. Evangelist Major says that women might falsely accuse their husbands of rape to get out of a marriage. I highly doubt that. But on that point, maybe the government should also look into amending The Bahamas’ antiquated divorce laws to allow nofault divorces. People change. People fall out of love. If two adults decide that they simply do not want to be married anymore, that should be their right, without having to prove adultery, abuse, cruelty, abandonment or neglect. Let people sever their ties and move on with their lives.

I understand that Evangelist Major is a member of an older generation where women were taught to be totally submissive to their husbands and where women were little more than chattels, trained to be good wives and do whatever their husbands want, including engaging in sexual intercourse, even if the women were tired, sick or simply not in the mood. Thankfully, we have come a long way, and some more enlightened people see women as individuals in their own right, who should have control over their bodies. Maybe Evangelist Major should heed the words of the seemingly more sensible Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd: “Marriage is a sacrament before God where persons covenant to love and protect each other until death. Rape is not love or protection.”

EDITOR,

WE WRITE to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the comments of Rev Rex Major at a recent national ecumenical church service where our national leaders were present.

As an organisation committed to upholding universal human rights and advocating for equality for all individuals, Human Rights Bahamas (HRB) finds Rev Major’s expressed views on the proposed criminalisation of marital rape to be profoundly troubling.

Rev Major asserts that women lie – without acknowledging that men lie as well. This is not only dismissive, but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that undermine the experiences of countless survivors of abuse.

His comments disregard the sad prevalence of sexual assaults against women in this society, which featured almost daily in our newspaper headlines. By insinuating without evidence that women are likely to make false accusations of rape, Rev Major not only contributes to victim-blaming but also diminishes the trauma suffered by survivors and courage it takes for them to come forward.

It is crucial to recognise that individuals who disclose incidents of rape or any form of sexual assault do not do so for amusement or personal gain.

Their bravery in speaking out deserves our support, empathy, and a fair legal framework that acknowledges their experiences.

The proposed marital rape law aims to address the issue of consent within marriage and provide protection to individuals who may experience abuse within this context. It is a step towards recognising that no one should be coerced or forced into any sexual act against their will, regardless of their marital status.

Furthermore, as Rev Major holds a position of influence within his community, we are disheartened by his failure to demonstrate care and empathy towards women, who make up more than half of our society. His comments not only undermine the struggles faced by survivors of abuse but also perpetuate harmful attitudes that can further marginalise and silence victims. As a religious leader, it is essential that he upholds the principles of compassion, justice, and equality, which are central to many faith traditions, including Christianity.

We urge Rev Major to consider the impact of his words and engage in a meaningful dialogue on issues of gender equality and human rights. It is imperative that religious leaders take an active role in advocating for the wellbeing and dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender. By doing so, they contribute to fostering a society that values and respects the rights of all its members.

It is our hope that Rev Major considers speaking with the multiple non-profit groups who deal with rape and abuse of women on a daily basis. Perhaps this would help him better understand the shocking realities and have more compassion for those abused in our country.

Human Rights Bahamas remains committed to promoting gender equality and combating all forms of discrimination and violence against women. We stand in solidarity with survivors of abuse and continue to advocate for a just and inclusive society where the rights and dignity of all individuals are upheld. We thank the Davis government, the Attorney General, Minister Sears, Mrs Davis, the wife of our Prime Minister, and many others who continue to support women in our country, seeking equality and compassion.

HUMAN RIGHTS

BAHAMAS

Nassau, May 24, 2023