AKP withdraws bill on sexual abuse against children

The government announced that the bill that would give way to impunity when the victim and the perpetrator of child abuse get married will be discussed in the Parliamentary Commission one more time. 

Prime Minister Yıldırım held a press conference in Istanbul Atatürk Airport and stated that the bill will be discussed one more time and they will consider the criticisms and suggestions of the opposition and the civil society.

Here are the highlights of Yıldırım's statement:

“Underage marriage is prohibited by law, even if there is the consent of the children or their parents. It wasn't prohibited before AKP came to power. In order to protect the children and the families, AKP defined underage marriage as an offense, even if there is consent.

“We will discuss these issues in the commission. If the opposition suggests anything, we would consider it as well. We will resolve this issue by considering the suggestions of the civil society, citizens, experts and academics. Politics is the only way to solve the problems.”

On November 17, AKP proposed the bill that would pardon statutory rape when the victim and the perpetrator get married. Citizens strongly reacted against the bill.

The bill was passed and it was expected that the bill will be approved in the Parliamentary Commission today.