Turkish Government withdraws child rape bill following wave of protests

Controversial Bill: Turkish women holding a placard reading "The rape cannot be pardoned!"
AP
Chloe Chaplain22 November 2016

The Turkish Government is withdrawing a bill that has been accused of legitimising child marriage and rape following furious protests.

The proposed bill would have pardoned men found guilty of sexual assault against an underage girl if no physical force was used and the perpetrator married the victim.

But following a wave of protests Prime Minister Binali Yildirim announced the Government will instead submit it for review.

Mr Yildirim told reporters the Government would ask an all-party parliamentary commission to consider the proposal.

Prime Minister: Binali Yildirim has agreed to withdraw the Bill
AFP/Getty Images

Critics have argued that the bill would have reversed efforts to combat sexual abuse and child marriages.

The age of consent in Turkey is 18, although courts permit civil marriages for people as young as 16.

Turkish women stage a protest in Ankara after a government proposal that would overturn convictions for child sex assault if they married their victim
AFP/Getty Images

The practice of marrying underage in Islamic ceremonies remains widespread throughout the country.

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