Turkey backpedals on statutory rape proposal
Turkey is reconsidering — but not abandoning — a law that would treat perpetrators of statutory rape as "victims," which some fear could open the door to polygamy, honor killings and legalizing marriage at puberty.
After an outcry heard around the world, Turkey decided Nov. 22 to reconsider a proposal that, in some cases, would pardon rapists of underage girls if no physical force was involved.
On Nov. 17, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkey made a proposal to parliament that would pardon men charged with statutory rape prior to Nov. 16 if they have married or agree to marry their victims. Once the bill was shared with the press, there was an uproar on social media, and although public gatherings and demonstrations are illegal under the emergency law in Turkey, women organized several protest marches around the country.
One lawyer told Al-Monitor that the proposed law "normalizes a crime against humanity."
With the intense public condemnation, the AKP agreed Nov. 22 to recall the proposed law — for now.
