TOUGH rules could be drawn up to ensure divorced parents are guaranteed access to their children.
Estranged couples who stop their ex-partners from visiting their children, or maintaining a proper relationship with them, could be jailed for up to three years or fined.
Parliament is set to debate a government-drafted insertion to the 1976 Penal Code, which aims to end cases of deliberate denial of visitation rights among separated parents.
It is aimed to ensure that the parent who moves out of the family home cannot be cut out of their children’s lives following an acrimonious separation.
The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry told Parliament, in writing, that it is a child’s right to have access to both parents.
“Children have psychological, emotional and social needs that require the presence of both their parents,” the ministry pointed out.
“Unfortunately, and in several cases, either the father or the mother deliberately prevents the other – who doesn’t have custodial rights – from visiting their children.
“There are certain cases where a child’s welfare could be threatened by staying in touch with either their mother or father. However, such circumstances should be clarified and understood.
“Deliberate denial of visitation rights, with no valid reason, cannot however be accepted,” the ministry said.
The move has been backed by the National Institute for Human Rights (NIHR).
“The new punishment is fair and just and would ensure rights are exercised properly, especially by parents with custody of their children.”
Concern
However, the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) has expressed concern over the proposal, terming the punishments as ‘harsh’.
“Throwing a parent in jail or imposing a fine would just cause more harm to the children, rather than correcting a situation or finding solutions to the problem,” the SCW said.
“We recommend warnings by judges.”
Meanwhile, a retrospective vote on a Royal Decree issued in August by His Majesty King Hamad to amend the 2012 Private Sector Employment Law during the National Assembly’s recess is also set. It aims to ensure gender equality in the workplace.
The article states that “discrimination in wages between male and female workers in jobs of the same value shall be prohibited.”
It also stipulates that Articles (30) and (31) of Law 36/2012 shall be abrogated.
The Labour and Social Development Ministry had issued three edicts to enhance gender equality at workplace – including banning wage discrimination between male and female workers with the same job and similar work conditions, allowing women to work in all industries without restrictions and their employment in all professions that require night shifts.
Proposed amendments to the 2001 Companies Law granting shareholders of 10 per cent or more a say in board appointments is also set for debate. It was presented by five MPs, led by financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom.
Representation
The Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry told MPs that the current system was fair and ensured proper representation, while the Bahrain Chamber backed Parliament’s proposal.
MPs will also vote to approve all disputed articles with the Shura Council in the new maritime law that is being debated for the past two years.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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