India Passes Sweeping Bill on Crimes Against Women

[DreamGypsy]

From the New York Times: http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/21/india-passes-sweeping-bill-on-crimes-against-women/?partner=rss&emc=rss

NEW DELHI — Less than three months after a New Delhi woman who was gang raped on a moving bus died from her injuries, India’s Parliament passed a comprehensive bill that imposes stronger penalties on men who attack women and criminalizes offenses like stalking and voyeurism.

The bill quickly cleared the upper house, or Rajya Sahba, of Parliament on Thursday, after being debated for seven hours in the lower house on Tuesday. President Pranab Mukherjee is expected to sign it into law shortly.

<snip>

The bill, which amends India’s criminal laws, is intended to deter and punish sexual offenders, including men who stalk and harass women, and to create a more responsive police and judicial system, which is widely criticized as being insensitive when dealing with crimes against women.

It expands the definition of rape, substantially increases the punishment for sex crimes like gang rape, introduces the death penalty for repeat offenders and criminalizes activities like disrobing and voyeurism.

<snip>

Many activists are encouraged by the bill, but say public debate and reforms for gender equality must continue. “The spectrum of change India requires is much, much broader than amendments to the criminal laws,” said Ms. Grover, the lawyer. “We need to really focus on enforcement and implementation.”

Every journey begins with a first step.

[mercymechap]

1. That's great, but it should have come

a lot sooner. Still, it is good.