A Lebanese parliamentary committee Wednesday postponed discussions on a controversial law that allows rapists to avoid conviction if they marry their victim.
The Administration and Justice Committee, headed by MP Robert Ghanem, decided to postpone discussions on abolishing or modifying article 522 until next Wednesday.
Article 522 of Lebanon's penal code states that authorities shall not pursue or prosecute an accused rapist, and will cancel the sentence of a convicted rapist if he or she marries the victim.
Abaad, an NGO that works toward gender equality in the MENA region, and is seeking to annul article 522, denounced Wednesday's decision.
"We are against any amendment to the law," an Abaad member told Al-Jadeed TV.
As part of the campaign, a woman posed as a rape victim wearing a white wedding gown and covered with bandages outside Parliament while the committee met.
"White doesn't cover up for rape," the campaign said.
Danielle Howayek, a lawyer and activist with Abaad, told reporters that "criminals must be held responsible ... any amendment would only make things worse."
Abaad also posted a video on its Facebook page of a women dressed in white as her bruises were being covered with badges.
The campaign spoke in support of a bill proposing the annulment of the law, which MP Elie Keyrouz referred to Speaker Nabih Berri in July.
The Lebanese Forces' Department of Women's Affairs urging the prosecution of attackers in a statement issued Wednesday.
"This article insults women and violates her dignity and the safety of the family and stability," the statement said.
It expressed absolute support for Keyrouz's bill and rejected any attempts to amend the law.
