Parliament

Womens’ rights group calls out Bulanauca

September 22, 2021 4:30 am

FWRM Executive Director, Nalini Singh. [File Photo]

A womens’ rights group is disappointed with remarks by a SODELPA MP on de-registering sex offenders from a permanent registry.

The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement has hit out at Mitieli Bulanauca’s comments in parliament.

During a debate in parliament yesterday, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum called on womens’ rights groups to condemn Bulanauca for saying sex offenders should be forgiven in the spirit of Christianity.

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“My challenge is that to the NGOs and the womens’ groups that are listening to this, I hope they also have the courage to come out and condemn what Honorable Bulanauca has done.”

FWRM Executive Director, Nalini Singh says heinous crimes against women merit the punishment meted to them by the courts.

Singh adds comments by Bulanauca and others who take rape and violence against women lightly, further exacerbate discrimination against women and diminish efforts to address sexual crimes in communities.

She also says forgiveness is a personal matter for individuals and should not be made obligatory or forced, adding that if we are to be forgiving as a principle based on religion, then we must first adhere to the same teachings and not commit crimes!

The FWRM adds Bulanauca’s remarks are disappointing and has implored him and other MPs to refrain from such irresponsible statements without any forethought of the victims of sexual crimes.

Singh believes there is a need to change mindsets and attitudes of the public and those sitting in Parliament, who perpetuate these crimes through ill-conceived statements and actions.