Seven years ago, my wife and I, along with another couple took a Mediterranean cruise. We spent part of our time in Turkey – which, at that time, we thought of as something of a model of the secular Muslim state; proof that Islam could easily co-exist with democracy.
I wish I could say the same about Turkey now as I did then. But since the Turkish people have elected, then re-elected recep tayyip erdogan as its hardline Islamist head of state, those days are fast becoming a wistful memory.
Here is the latest – and exceedingly repulsive – example of why, excerpted from Mark Lowen’s commentary for the BBC:
A bill which would allow men accused of raping underage girls to be cleared if they marry the girl has been preliminarily backed by Turkish MPs.
The bill would pardon men only if they had sex without “force or threat” and if they married the victim.
Critics say it legitimises rape and child marriage, and lets off men who are aware of their crime.
Violence against women in Turkey has increased in the past decade – 40% of women report sexual or physical abuse.
Statistics also show the murder rate of women increased by 1,400% between 2003 and 2010.
The bill was initially approved on Thursday evening after being brought to parliament by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). On Tuesday, MPs will debate the bill a second time before casting their final vote.
Does that look like a modern, secular state to you?
It’s hard to believe that Turkey has turned the corner so quickly. I pity the Turkish people – and I have no doubt there are millions of them, including millions of Muslims – who are sickened by what has happened to their country.
Add Jordan to the list quasi-moderate islam.
A woman is being held for adultery. She was raped by 2 men.