The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

This is a plea for understanding and change. It addresses the concerns raised by Grace Community Church's senior pastor:

Dear Pastor Lyall Bethel,

We hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. We understand that your perspective on the proposed amendments to the Sexual Offences Act is rooted in your beliefs and values, and we respect your right to hold them. However, we believe it is important to engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the concerns raised by the women of our community who are advocating for this law.

The stance you and some of your fellow church pastors have taken to reject the law has left many saddened, particularly those women who have been passionately advocating for its implementation. It is vital to recognize that this law is not about weaponizing sex in marriage or undermining the sanctity of marriage. Instead, it is about safeguarding the fundamental human rights of individuals within a marriage and promoting a culture of respect, love, and equality.

Our community has been grappling with the distressing reality of sexual assaults, including rapes and child molestation. These deeply disturbing incidents underscore the urgent need for legal measures that protect vulnerable individuals within their own homes. It is within families and communities that the moral fabric of our society is woven, and we must ensure that our sons and daughters are brought up to understand the importance of consent, respect, and empathy.

You aptly mention the beauty of the teachings within the Bible, which encourage us to respect and honour one another. These teachings should never be distorted to justify heinous acts of abuse, whether they occur between spouses or anyone else. Instead, they should serve as a moral compass guiding us towards compassion, understanding, and kindness.

You have expressed a concern that enacting the proposed bill will result in fewer marriages. We draw to your attention to the recent UB study “In The Bahamas She Must Give It Up”, which publicly revealed that married women are more likely than single women to have experienced non-consensual intercourse; and, where this occurs those women are more likely to have suffered physical harm at the hands of their partners. This study, and its publication makes it patently clear to all women that in the current state of affairs we are safer if we do not wed. After all, to restate your question, who wants to get married when it is so dicey and dangerous as your husband can force himself upon you without your consent? It is, therefore, clear that the failure to amend the law, and not its amendment, will result in fewer marriages with the resulting societal impact that you fear.

The incidence of adultery is already a plague upon this nation and we welcome the church consistently dealing with the matter and not just as a tool in this discussion. It also ought to be accepted that with respect to all laws on the books there is the potential for misuse of the law. The truth is that if a wife wishes to make false allegations against her husband she can do so now. So, while there may be concerns about potential misuse of the law, it is crucial to remember that reporting instances of rape or abuse is not an easy task for victims nor is it one which the authorities would just issue charges on. Before there can be “wrongful convictions” there must first be a charge; and, just as there may be “wrongful convictions” there may also be just ones.

The legal process exists to carefully evaluate and determine the truth, and it is our responsibility to ensure that victims are heard and supported throughout this process. By acknowledging the hardships they face and offering our empathy, we can help pave the way for change that is both just and compassionate.

The cry of “rape within a marriage” is not just a signal that the marriage is in trouble and is headed to the divorce court. It is a signal of the commission of a crime against her person. We note that you have indicated that the marriage contract is for “consent to cohabitate”. Sexual intercourse without consent is not cohabitation. It is rape.

As leaders, it is our duty to put ourselves in the shoes of those who are suffering and marginalized. We must reflect on the impact our decisions have on our daughters, sisters, and mothers. God's protection is meant to shield us from harm, not to enable the abuse of our fellow human beings.

We commend all women who have spoken out and championed this cause, and we implore other women to join their ranks and ours. The call for equality and justice is a call that resonates with many women, and it is only by standing together that we can create lasting change. Let us remember that progress often requires difficult conversations and introspection, but it is through these efforts that we can build a stronger, more compassionate society for all.

In closing, we want to express our gratitude to those leaders who have shown support for these necessary changes. Let us move forward together, guided by a shared commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of every individual in our beloved archipelago.

Sincerely,


PRODESTA MOORE

Founder and President

Women United