Gender, gay
rights activists welcome Thai law expanding definition
of rape

Gender rights activists Thursday hailed the legislature's approval of an antirape law that widens the definition of the crime and makes it illegal in Thailand for a husband to have sex with his wife without her consent.

The measure, approved Wednesday 118-5 in the National Legislative Assembly in Bangkok, also broadened the definition of rape.

Under the amended law, sex offenders are no longer limited to men -- women can also be prosecuted for rape. The definition of rape victims was also broadened to cover both men and women.

Women's rights activists lobbied for a change in the law, which used to define a rapist as a person who forcibly has sex with a woman who is not legally married to him.

''We have been trying to get them to get rid of that clause for a long time.... It implicitly gives husbands a green light to rape their wives with impunity, so this is very good news,'' said Usa Lertsrtsanthad of the Foundation for Women.

Under the new law, rapists face four to 20 years in prison and a fine of $247 to $1,227.

Gay rights activist Natee Teerarojpong said the new law ''gives us some hope that people who are marginalized in society can also seek justice and legal protection.''

''A lot of gay people and transvestites are raped but you don't hear about it because when they report to the police, they get laughed at. This should help change the attitude,'' he said.

Activists said it will still be difficult for women to report rape cases despite the new law.

''The attitudes of the police, prosecutors, and doctors are very important in facilitating the process and making it easier for women to report rape cases,'' Usa said. ''A lot of women still choose to remain silent because they are threatened by the legal process and what may happen to them before the rapists are brought to justice.'' (AP)