More than 1,000 people back Chinese women’s call for law change so men considered rape victims
Unnamed women’s federation's suggestion on draft amendment to China’s Criminal Law sent to National People’s Congress on final day for public comments
More than 1,000 people have backed a Chinese women’s group’s suggestion that men should also be considered victims of rape crimes as part of possible changes to the criminal law, mainland media reports.
An unnamed women’s federation made suggestions about the draft of Amendment no 9 of China’s Criminal Law in a letter sent to National People’s Congress, the national legislature, on Wednesday – the final day for public comments to be submitted.
A poll on sina.com showed that 99 per cent of participants backed the federation’s suggestion, New Express reported.
The letter and its suggestions gained the backing of nine non-government organisations, legal experts, and 1,149 people added their signatures in support.
The group’s letter also suggested abandoning the crime of prostituting girls under the age of 14. It argued that any sexual activity involving girls aged under 14 should be considered a rape crime – a change that could provide better protect such victims.
Experts quoted in the letter also said they were opposed to abandoning the death penalty for people convicted of forcing other people into prostitution.