Can an alien cultural and moral imposition in violation of human rights become one’s own law and belief? Indeed, this is what British colonialism gifted Sri Lanka through the introduction of “morality laws”, such as the Vagrants Ordinance of 1841 and the criminalisation of consensual same-sex relationships through the Penal Code of 1883.
Published at:
https://www.ft.lk/columns/Decolonising-the-law-Repeal-antiquated-morality-laws/4-747314
Today, on International Women’s Day, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) launched a new set of legal principles elaborated by jurists for a human rights-based approach to criminal laws proscribing conduct associated with sex, reproduction, drug use, HIV, homelessness and poverty.
At a workshop for lawyers focusing on the Elimination of Gender Discriminatory Attitudes and Behaviors Towards Women and Enhancing Access to Justice for Women organized by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), in collaboration with Nepal Bar Association (NBA), participating legal practitioners agreed that gender stereotypes and gender discriminatory behaviors pose major barriers for women who are in their quest to access justice.
Indonesia’s new Penal Code, which was passed on 6 December 2022, discriminates against women and minority groups, and is inconsistent with the rights to freedom of expression and information and to freedom of religion or belief, said the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).
An opinion piece by Mathuri Thamilmaran, ICJ National Legal Advisor in Sri Lanka.
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