Draft law on child marriage described as containing ‘rape loophole’.

Draft law on child marriage described as containing ‘rape loophole’. In April, a draft law banning child marriage was passed by the Egyptian cabinet. While the law tackles some of the failings of previous legislation, a publication by Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) noted that ‘it allows parties found guilty of sexual molestation and rape under Egypt’s Penal Code to submit a petition to a judge for approval to register a marriage certificate for a person under 18,’ which has been referred to as a ‘rape loophole.’ DAWN states that it also fails to combat the phenomenon of underage girls being married temporarily to rich tourists while they visit Egypt. Trend: authoritarian feminism Rights: freedom from violence; family life, marriage/divorce and child protection

see Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN)