The Parliament (people’s Assembly) Jordan voted to abolish articles of the criminal code, which guarantees the freedom of the rapist marrying his victim after committing the crime. On Tuesday, August 1, reports The Independent.
To cancel this provision of the criminal code (article 308) in February called on the Royal Committee responsible for the development of the judicial system and the rule of law.
In April, according to BBC News, the decision was supported by the government. However, its ruling could be blocked by deputies, who were to hold a vote on this issue.
According to Jordanian law, rape is a punishable criminal offence the consensual sex with a woman under the age of 18 (the minimum age for marriage) is also considered rape. If the victim is under 15 years of age, the crime will be punished with the death penalty, but if 15 to 18, seven years of imprisonment.
However, article 308 was a loophole that allowed a rapist to avoid punishment. This can be done was, if the victim at the time the crime was between 15 and 18 years, the sexual act was consensual, and the man decided to marry his victim. It was stipulated that the couple must stay married for at least five years, said Step Feed.