Parliament is gearing up for a heated debate on a proposed amendment to the 1976 Penal Code that would criminalise men disguising themselves as women to gain access to spaces and facilities restricted to women.
The proposal by five MPs, led by Jameel Hassan, was presented last night to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam, who referred it to the foreign affairs, defence and national security committee for urgent review before the next term begins on October 12.
The new article, which could be inserted into the Penal Code, would impose a penalty of up to one year in prison, a fine not exceeding BD1,000, or both, on any male who dresses in women’s clothing with the intent to enter female-exclusive areas.
The penalty could be further increased if the act of disguise is used as a means to commit another crime, making it an aggravating circumstance under the proposed legislation.
“This proposal is not about restricting personal freedoms – it’s about protecting the sanctity of private spaces designated for women and preserving the moral and cultural values that our society upholds,” said Mr Hassan.
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1364727/Debate-set-on-criminalisation-of-men-disguising-as-women
