Section of Evidence Act that can discredit sexual assault victim to be repealed

[RonRon]

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Law plans to repeal Section 157(d) of the Evidence Act, says Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law, Mr K Shanmugam.

Mr Shanmugam announced this during his speech at the official launch of AWARE's Sexual Assault Befrienders Service.

AWARE made a submission to repeal section 157(d) of the Evidence Act, saying it made it possible to discredit an alleged sexual assault victim through her sexual history.

Section D states that "when a man is prosecuted for rape or an attempt to ravish, it may be shown that the prosecutrix was of generally immoral character".

The group took issue with the term "generally immoral character", saying it was based on an outdated concept that only "chaste" women should be afforded legal protection.

The group believes the moral or immoral behaviour of a woman in general has no logical link to her credibility or to whether she consented to sexual intercourse in the specific case.

In his speech, Mr. Shanmugam said the term "generally immoral character" was assumed to be a proxy for sexual promiscuity and such views should no longer find any expressions in our laws.

The Sexual Assault Befrienders Service (SABS) is the first support service for survivors of sexual assault in Singapore.

It comprises a dedicated Helpline, counselling, legal counselling and Befriending services.

- CNA/fa

 

[red amoeba]

i suggest AWARE also to propose that as long as a guy is accused of sexual assault, the guy be immediately castrated before facing trials...

like that better right?

 

[scroobal]

The irony of course is that decision is being made by a man who committed adultery and therefore is acknowledged and recognised expert in immoral behaviour. Believe me the word and meaning of promiscuity would be things that he can provided moral and substantial guidance. To complete the package, it might be ideal for Foo Mee Har to second the amendement in parliament. I wonder if Aware was purposely taking the mickey out of him as his ex-wife's law school mate is involved. By the way, no judge in last few decades ever used this knowing full well that the whole concept in this day and age is archaic and he or she would be the laughing stock.