Prominent local businessman and leader of Jumhoory Party Gasim Ibrahim has called to increase punitive measures of homosexual offenses.
The politician bemoaned over increase in similar offenses. He also alleged many actually endorsed such acts, while noting the existing punitive measures were inefficient.
JP leader's bill to amend the Criminal Procedure Act comes weeks after several nude videos of same sex activities several locals and a Bangladeshi expat made rounds on social media platforms. Maldives Police Service meanwhile, claims of investigating the matter.
Local law enforcement had made a few arrests following the probe while some face criminal charges. However, the authority has since released everyone arrested in relation to the case.
The politician further addresses on the inefficient punishment for the crime, while asserting that he was of the opinion that the offense of homosexuality must be addressed among serious and indictable offenses.
According to the JP leader, the nature of leniency towards the offense encourages offenders to evade accountability.
As of now, acts of homosexuality and adultery are category five offenses, which are only subject to a jail term not exceeding two years.
Gasim criticized the relative leniency in indictability of the offense.
The Maldives Sexual Offense Act states an act of consensual sex between individuals of the same sex warrants a jail term between five to seven years. If the act proceeded without consent of one of the parties to the act, the liable party is subject to a jail sentence between seven to 10 years.
The political leader further lambasted the acquittal of alleged offenders, noting Prosecutor General's office had deemed the offense non-serious in accordance with article 22 of Criminal Procedure Act.
Additionally, Gasim had explained his stance of proposing a bill of amendment. The politician remarks segregating offenders convicted of homosexuality, from the rest of the community for societal sanctity.
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