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Panama News Briefs

Catholic Church protests proposed domestic violence legalization

by Eric Jackson

Earlier in the debate over the proposed new Penal Code, the Catholic Church and women's group had a rare public argument about abortion laws. In the end the legislature's Government and Justice Committee left the existing laws that make abortion a crime as they are, fully satisfying neither side but effectively ending the argument for the time being.

However, in the wake of that flap the church has joined forces with women's groups and human rights activists to oppose plans to weaken Panama's laws against domestic violence, rape and child abuse.

The Penal Code proposal drafted by a presidential commission and approved by Martin Torrijos's cabinet and then the National Assembly's Government and Justice Committee would carve two major exceptions into the domestic violence law:

First, in order for the law to apply, there would have to be a "pattern of conduct" --- the first beating would be "free;"

Second, the law's application would be restricted to "legally constituted families" only, that is, it would not apply to unmarried couples nor could it be invoked in the event of abuse of a spouse's unadopted child by a previous relationship. This sort of discimination on the basis of formal marriage would be unprecedented in Panamanian law, which recognizes no concept of "illegitimate" children and makes few distinctions between married and unmarried couples.

The Torrijos administration's Penal Code proposal, the church pointed out in its weekly newspaper Panorama Catolico, raises penalties for most crimes but lowers them for child abuse and rape. It would also allow an adult accused of having sexual relations with a minor to avoid criminal charges by making an offer of marriage.

The church said that these proposals would reduce society's protection of women and children and thus run afoul of Catholic values.

Some 80 percent or more of Panamanians profess to be Catholics, but some are more devout and more receptive to the church's social and political stands than others. The Panamanian constitution provides for freedom of religion but recognizes that we are a mostly Catholic country and allows Catholic catechism to be taught in public schools. Politicians here frequently try to get the church's endorsement of their policies, and sometimes they get it.

These particular provisions of the proposed Penal Code have also split the Torrijos administration, prompting protests from National Ombudswoman Mónica Pérez and Attorney General Ana Matilde Gómez.

In the February 15 second reading of the proposed new Penal Code, it was said that the objectionable provisions were toned down. However, the deputies went away for Carnival and the government offices closed for six days without the text of any changes having been published.

After Carnival the law must be voted upon and approved by the legislature on a third reading, then signed by the president and published in the Gaceta Oficial to become law.

Assembly approves new press gag laws on second reading
Church weighs in against weakening domestic violence laws

Panama City Carnival woes