Turkish adultery law considered

ANKARA, Turkey – Unfaithful spouses could find themselves in court if Turkey’s parliament approves a government-backed proposal that would make adultery a crime.

European Union leaders have warned that the proposal could undermine Turkey’s bid to join the bloc. Women’s groups were expected to march to parliament yesterday, hours before legislators start debating proposed amendments to Turkey’s penal code.The amendments are part of a major reform of the country’s 78-year old penal code and aim to bring the nation’s laws closer to those of Europe.If approved in parliament unchanged, the proposed draft bill would impose stiffer punishments for rapists, paedophiles, torturers, human traffickers and mothers who kill children born out of wedlock.It would also recognise rape in marriage and sexual harassment as crimes.But apparently in a move to please his grassroots conservative supporters, prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is looking to add the controversial anti-adultery measure to the draft bill during the debate.Erdogan says such a law would protect the family and women who have been wronged by their husbands.Members of his party also want to outlaw teenage sex, Hurriyet newspaper and other media organisations reported this week.Government officials have not commented publicly on that issue.The proposals have created a storm of controversy.The EU’s enlargement official, Guenter Verheugen, warned during a visit to Turkey that the anti-adultery measure would create the impression that the country’s laws are moving closer to Islamic law.British foreign secretary Jack Straw said Monday: “If this proposal, which I gather is only a proposal, in respect of adultery were to become firmly fixed into law, then that would create difficulties for Turkey.”- Nampa-APWomen’s groups were expected to march to parliament yesterday, hours before legislators start debating proposed amendments to Turkey’s penal code.The amendments are part of a major reform of the country’s 78-year old penal code and aim to bring the nation’s laws closer to those of Europe.If approved in parliament unchanged, the proposed draft bill would impose stiffer punishments for rapists, paedophiles, torturers, human traffickers and mothers who kill children born out of wedlock.It would also recognise rape in marriage and sexual harassment as crimes.But apparently in a move to please his grassroots conservative supporters, prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is looking to add the controversial anti-adultery measure to the draft bill during the debate.Erdogan says such a law would protect the family and women who have been wronged by their husbands.Members of his party also want to outlaw teenage sex, Hurriyet newspaper and other media organisations reported this week.Government officials have not commented publicly on that issue.The proposals have created a storm of controversy.The EU’s enlargement official, Guenter Verheugen, warned during a visit to Turkey that the anti-adultery measure would create the impression that the country’s laws are moving closer to Islamic law.British foreign secretary Jack Straw said Monday: “If this proposal, which I gather is only a proposal, in respect of adultery were to become firmly fixed into law, then that would create difficulties for Turkey.”- Nampa-AP