JFJ calls justice, demands extended punishment for forced anal penetration

Jamaica: The non-governmental human rights and social justice organization, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is calling for the repeal of Jamaica’s buggery law. This call is made so that forced anal penetration can be classified as rape.

As per the current sexual offenses laws that is under the Sexual Offences Act, men and boys are not legally recognized as victims of rape, and the women and girls who receive less protection for forced anal penetration.

JFJ raised a question, “The disparity in the Act is not only in the lack of gender-neutral application for rape but also the lack of equal protection for equally traumatizing and offending acts. How can forced penile-vaginal penetration carry a maximum life sentence, while forced anal penetration carries only a ten-year maximum sentence?” 

With such a question raised, Jamaicans for Justice group demanded to repeal the sex offenses laws so the punishment could be increased for the forced anal penetration committed. Significantly, this would state the justice that the group is calling for

Further, the group stated that they are disappointed as the JSC (Joint Select Committee) did not accept the recommendations to amend the definition of rape to include forced anal sex. Instead, the officials proposed a referendum on buggery as a decision for their legislative duty.

Shifting the burden of deciding on buggery to the general population through a referendum is an act of legislative cowardice. Parliament must act decisively to educate the public and properly define rape, rather than perpetuating ignorance.

Considerably, the call made to the country is in respect to make the rape gender neutral . This was even followed by one of the South East St Ann members of parliament, Lisa Hanna.

JFJ even extended their call to the parliamentarians to vote in support of the motion when it comes before the Houses, demonstrating their commitment to vulnerable groups. Also, the Jamaicans for Justice group even added that the legislators must act decisively and ensure equal protection for all the citizens under the law.

According to JFJ’s opinion, parliamentarians must demonstrate legislative bravery to address sexual violence in all its forms.