TUESDAY NIGHT UPDATE: Press secretary Clint Watson has apologised for his comments about women's groups being "quiet" on the issue of marital rape. He said he made "inaccurate comments" on the issue – the full statement is left.

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

LOCAL Advocacy groups yesterday pushed back against assertions by press secretary Clint Watson that they have been “quiet” on marital rape, arguing that their advocacy to criminalise spousal sexual abuse spans over several years.

Mr Watson’s views on the matter appear to be in stark contrast to that of Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis who told reporters yesterday that he has heard the cries of all advocacy groups.

Meanwhile, Equality Bahamas founder Alicia Wallace told The Tribune yesterday: “We have been vocal, we have been bold, and we have been consistent.

“We are indefatigable. The #Strike5ive campaign by Equality Bahamas was launched in 2020, continuing years of advocacy for the criminalisation of marital rape.”

 “It was relaunched, complete with new graphics and clear demands, including the amendment of Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act to remove ‘who is not his spouse’ from the definition of rape, the repeal of Section 15, and the inclusion of a statutory definition of consent.

 “All three of these appear in the amendment bill, and this is not a coincidence. It is a result of our fierce advocacy and clarity of message.”

 Ms Wallace was responding to press secretary Clint Watson’s comments on Friday about local advocacy groups not being vocal enough regarding the controversial topic.

 “A lot of the groups are quiet,” he said during the weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister. “A lot of the activist groups and the groups that protect women, where are your voices?

 “This is now where your time is to come forward to express your concern and your view and to advocate to present proposals of legislation to do it.”

 Mr Watson also credited members of the media for bringing attention to the issue, saying “we have heard this issue from media representatives, reporters but not organisations.

 “We need the advocacy groups and the people who represent women to come forward and say this is what we want, present their views and it will happen,” he also said.

 “The cries of the organisations are what’s missing, not the reporters who are asking the questions every week, but the people who actually protect women and work with women, silence,” he continued. 

 Yesterday, Mr Davis said that he has heard the cries of all advocacy groups.

 “I have been hearing voices from all groupings,” he said when asked whether he felt activists have been advocating enough for marital rape.

 “And I think that the voices of our females and organisations are necessary. It helps shape and form public policy and I continue to expect to hear from them.”

 In a statement sent to The Tribune, Ms Wallace condemned Mr Watson’s remarks and called on him to do his research before making such bold “inaccurate” statements.

 “Watson’s comments are indicative of the government’s failure to not only meaningfully engage NGOs, but to pay attention to NGO statements and activities which are regularly communicated in the media,” Ms Wallace added. 

 “Perhaps the government needs to reduce its massive travel budget since key officials are incapable of keeping track of national news and public discourse while abroad. That money needs to be allocated to the establishment of a National Human Rights Institute which would be responsible for human rights education, engaging stakeholders, raising awareness of State obligations, and monitoring progress.

 She was also supported by Terneille Burrows, of Rise Bahamas, who said she did not agree with Mr Watson’s comments and could personally vouch for the work done by activists concerning the issue.

 Meanwhile, Ms Wallace said that “if Watson wants to talk about silence”, the organisation would be more than happy to speak to its efforts over the years to have the issue addressed through legislative means.

 “Equality Bahamas can share the dates on several emails to the Attorney General’s office, specifically requesting the bill and inclusion in consultation processes, sent this year that received no response for months.

 “Equality Bahamas has also sent communications to the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, and only secured an invitation one week before the so-called consultation.

 “We have engaged directly with the government, we have communicated publicly through the press, and we have held numerous public events on this issue. We urge Clint Watson to do his research, communicate with the relevant government officials, and speak with integrity, giving accurate information. There is no excuse for this kind of disinformation, and that it comes from the press secretary is damning.” 

 Marital rape is currently not a crime in The Bahamas, however there have been renewed calls for the Davis administration to address this gap in legislation.

 Last month, the government released for consultation a draft amendment to the Sexual Offences Act that seeks to criminalise marital rape and redefine what consent is.

 “We demand a proper consultation - not a platform for misogynistic religious leaders and rapists to spew hateful nonsense - on the details of the bill,” Ms Wallace continued.

 “That we need to criminalise marital rape is not debatable and should never have been presented as an issue with two sides.

 “It is an issue of human rights and the obligation of the state to protect us all from violence in all forms and from all people, irrespective of relationships.”