University of The Bahamas Students Engage in Spirited Debate on “Marital Rape”

22^nd March 2023

Nassau, The Bahamas — Students of University of The Bahamas (UB) have added their voices to a national debate on “marital rape” and the proposed amendment to the Sexual Offences Act, 1991.

UB students debated for and against the “marital rape” exception in the act at an event held at the Oakes Field Campus on 16^th March. The debate preceded a discussion on the same topic held later that evening in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development’s Department of Gender and Family Affairs.

The student debaters represented diverse academic backgrounds and presented well-researched arguments on both sides of the issue. Chante Deal, a nursing major, led the opposing team, which argued against the marital rape exception and called for the amendment to recognize and criminalize marital rape. She was joined by Alexx Francis, a law and criminal justice major, and Sophia Johnson, an education major. The opposition team contended that consent is crucial in any sexual relationship, including marriage, and that not amending the law would perpetuate the harmful notion that marriage somehow justifies non-consensual sexual acts.

Erin Turner, a laws major, led the proposition team that included Guyia Johnson, a dual education and law and criminal justice major, and Javan Johnson, a culinary arts major. The proposition team argued in favor of maintaining the marital rape exception in the 1991 Sexual Offenses Act.

Turner, who was selected as the best speaker for the proposition, insisted that there is a lack of consensus among Bahamians on this divisive issue, and that the law should reflect the values and viewpoints of the society in which it exists. Her team stressed the importance of considering the unique and sacred nature of marriage and suggested that alternative means, such as divorce, could be used to protect abused spouses.

In his rebuttal for the proposition team, Javan Johnson argued, “Marriage does not give anyone the right to force their unwilling spouse to engage in sexual activity with them. However, we must acknowledge that marriage is sacred, and those present must be reminded of the unique nature of this relationship.”

Deal, judged as the best speaker for the debate, insisted that “rape is rape, regardless of marital status,” stressing the importance of amending the Sexual Offences Act to include marital rape as an offence. She further explained that this would provide justice and protection for those affected.

In her rebuttal, she cited the former CARICOM gender advocate, Dr. Rosina Wilshire, who identified as a devout Christian. Deal also quoted from the Bible, “Why do we feel it is okay to equate the violence and abuse of having sex with love and marriage?”

A panel from Toastmasters International judged the debate. After carefully evaluating the arguments and presentations, the judges awarded the Proposition Team the win with 1,574 points.

As the premier national tertiary institution with a mission of supporting and driving national development, UB is a key facilitator of national discourse on topical issues. Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Oriakhi said it was important that students actively engage their critical thinking.

“This debate serves as an essential platform for our students to engage in a constructive dialogue about a critical issue that affects our society. We encourage our students to think critically and openly express their opinions, helping to shape the future of our community,” Dr. Oriakhi said.

The event showcased UB’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and open discourse among its students. It also underscored the significance of addressing complex social issues and the role of academic institutions in shaping the future of society.

Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2^nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
University Drive, Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365

Chartered on 10th November 2016, University of The Bahamas (UB) is a beacon for national transformation. Approximately 5,000 students are enrolled in the University of The Bahamas system which includes campuses and centres on New Providence, Grand Bahama, and San Salvador, as well as UB online education. UB’s diverse academic programmes, research engagements, athletics and leadership development experiences equip our students to become global citizens in a dynamic world. For more information, visit www.ub.edu.bs.