Atheist Revolution: Pastor Claims Husbands Should Have Right to Rape Wives

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Pastor Claims Husbands Should Have Right to Rape Wives

It is currently legal for a husband to rape his wife in the Bahamas. Who knew? Oh, and before we get all self-righteous about that "backward" country, let's remember that marital rape was legal in the U.S. until 1976 and continues to result in lesser sentences than rapes committed by other perpetrators in many states today. So yeah, we don't have much excuse for looking down on them.

The Bahamian government is now trying to outlaw marital rape via the Sexual Offenses Act, and Amnesty International is supporting their effort to do so. Bravo! I'm glad to see them doing the right thing and happy to hear that they have Amnesty's support.

Who would oppose such legislation? Evidently, some Christians. You know, I'm not sure why this even surprises me anymore.

From The Bahama Journal:

However, many Bahamian men, like taxi driver Pemmie Sutherland, say the bill is "simply unnecessary."

"It is ridiculous for them to try to make that a law, because I don’t think a man can rape his own wife. After two people get married, the Bible says that they become one – one flesh. How is it possible to rape what is yours?" asked Mr. Sutherland.

And yes, he's referring to the Christian bible.

Deanne Sweeting said that she strongly disagrees with the bill and does not understand why so many women are supporting it.

"I disagree with the bill because I disagree that a man can rape his wife. The Bible tells me that a man’s body is his wife’s and her body is his. How could he rape her?" asked Ms. Sweeting.

This has to be a misreading of the Christian bible, doesn't it? I mean, rape is rape, isn't it? Surely, no member of the clergy would agree with such views.

According to The Tribune,

Controversial pastor Cedric Moss has vocally opposed the legislation claiming the amendment would create a "society of rapists." Citing the "word of God", Mr Moss argued that rape cannot be committed in marriage because the couple, gave each other authority over the other's body and agreed to open-ended sexual consent in the marriage contract.

I've said it before, and I am sure I'll say it again: it absolutely boggles the mind why any self-respecting woman (or man who doesn't hate women) would want to call herself a Christian.