Marital Rape Doesn’t Exist? We’re Calling You out, Swaraj Kaushal

C-O-N-S-E-N-T, Mr Kaushal. It’s that simple.

Our government thinks marital rape shouldn't be considered a crime. Former Governor of Mizoram, Swaraj Kaushal, goes a step further.

Kaushal said something unfathomable about marital rape on 29 August. Dismissing marital rape, he said, “Our homes should not become police stations.”

Also Read: Marital Rape: The Secret Shame India’s Sweeping Under the Rug

Please Answer Our Question

We have one question for you, sir.

If a woman was being forced to have sexual intercourse repeatedly, and if it was happening behind closed doors, is the atrocity nullified on account of a social contract that binds the husband and the wife together?

No, Mr Kaushal, you don’t get to succumb to your instinct once you’ve signed a one-time social contract. One needs CONSENT at every step.

And, if a man was being forced into having sexual intercourse by his wife, doesn’t the wife deserve a jail sentence?

While we’re enraged, here’s how some users reacted to Kaushal’s comments:

Women: We would like to not get raped, please.
Indian government: BUT THEN EVERY INDIAN MAN WILL BE AFFECTED, AISE KAISE BC

— Cathartic Screams (@Just_Screams) August 29, 2017

Marriage, an Institution?

Perhaps it is time to dismantle the institution of marriage if it doesn't understand consent.

— Kiran Manral (@KiranManral) August 29, 2017

While denying marital rape, he says police shouldn't police our homes. Then says ppl's food choices shud be policed https://t.co/TL0RHj7rCH

— Anoo Bhuyan (@AnooBhu) August 29, 2017

The Incredulity of It

What else do you think doesn't exist because it happens in the home? Childhood sexual abuse? Domestic violence?

— Shreya Ila Anasuya (@shreyilaanasuya) August 29, 2017

Next is what? If more men in society turn out to be rapist, scrap all rape laws? What kind of an argument is that @governorswaraj? https://t.co/TVtEVBKznA

— Gaurav Pandhi (@GauravPandhi) August 29, 2017

C-0-N-S-E-N-T, Sir

Being a lawyer (or human) do you not understand consent? Marriage doesn't mean you are bound have sex with your partner whenever they demand

— La Vie En Rose (@gsforever22) August 29, 2017

While his comments created an uproar, several media publications, while calling Kaushal’s comments out, called him ‘Sushma Swaraj’s husband’. Unwittingly, perhaps, his name was linked to his wife, the External Affairs Minister.

Something to learn, perhaps?

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