The recent reports of a Malaysian guy in his twenties saying he will marry his 13-year-old pregnant girlfriend has caused much uproar.
He allegedly said that because he wants to escape from being charged with statutory rape as his girlfriend is still a minor.
Source: My News Hub
But Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim says otherwise, the Star reported.
This is because under the new laws that were approved in Parliament recently, rapists will still be held accountable for their crime, even if they want to marry their victim.
She further explains that the range of sexual assault against minors have been broadened.
“A rape is a rape. Sexual offenders will be charged in court regardless of whether the case involves a person violating their underage victims with other body parts or objects, sexually abuses their victims in any way or even those who offer to marry their underage victims.”
“The definition of rape has been expanded and a rape against a minor is still rape. There is no escaping this,” she says. Yes, that should be the way!
Source: Elle
The Sexual Offences against Children Bill passed on 4 April no longer limits rape to just forced penile penetration. In addition, sexual assault towards minors also includes touching any part of a child’s body or making the child touch any part of their or any other person’s body, for sexually indecent purposes.
Rohani clarifies firmly, “Rapists will also not be allowed to escape punishment for their crime, even if they seek to marry their victim.”
Source: Sinchew
As for the man in Kuching who thought he was being smart to escape being charged with rape of his 13-year-old girlfriend, tough luck for him, because the police have stated that they will continue their investigation and bring him to court for his crime.
Beware, child predators! You will be punished severely under the new Sexual Offences against Children Bill!
Also read: Singaporean Girl Raped After Clubbing, Boyfriend Finds Her Using ‘Find My iPhone’ App
