This post was originally published as a press release on 25 September 2018.

As women’s and social sector groups in Singapore, we are very pleased to welcome the proposal to fully remove marital immunity for the offences of rape and sexual penetration of a minor. This important and long awaited reform will make it possible to hold men who commit sexual violence against their wives accountable under the law, in accordance with due process.

Every person has the right to live their lives free of all kinds of violence, including spousal sexual violence. Marriage is meant to be a union for mutual support and care, not a licence for sexual coercion. Doing away with marital immunity is an important affirmation that a married woman – no less than any other woman – has the right to be heard and respected when she says ‘no’.

When this law is changed, Singapore will take an enormous step toward a more humane society – one which values consent and equality. We are proud to be counted in support of it.

List of supporting groups:

Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE)

Beyond the Hijab

Brave Spaces

Crit Talk

Disabled People’s Association (DPA)

Daughters Of Tomorrow (DOT)

Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME)

Lean In Singapore

MARUAH

No To Rape

Penawar Support Group

Project X

Sayoni

Singapore Association of Women Lawyers (SAWL)

Singapore Committee for UN Women

Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)

The Local Rebel

The T Project

Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2)

Women and Law in Islam (WALI)

Zonta Club of Singapore