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Parliament is gearing up for a heated debate on a proposed amendment to the 1976 Penal Code that would criminalise men disguising themselves as women to gain access to spaces and facilities restricted to women.
The proposal by five MPs, led by Jameel Hassan, was presented last night to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam, who referred it to the foreign affairs, defence and national security committee for urgent review before the next term begins on October 12.
The new article, which could be inserted into the Penal Code, would impose a penalty of up to one year in prison, a fine not exceeding BD1,000, or both, on any male who dresses in women’s clothing with the intent to enter female-exclusive areas.
The penalty could be further increased if the act of disguise is used as a means to commit another crime, making it an aggravating circumstance under the proposed legislation.
“This proposal is not about restricting personal freedoms – it’s about protecting the sanctity of private spaces designated for women and preserving the moral and cultural values that our society upholds,” said Mr Hassan.
The explanatory memorandum attached to the proposal highlights a growing global trend in which men resort to disguising themselves as women to infiltrate private female gatherings or facilities. In some instances, such behaviour has reportedly been used to gain unauthorised access to women’s private lives, with a few offenders using modern technology to record or extort victims.
“There have been troubling reports of men exploiting social media and communication tools while disguised, to breach women’s privacy and dignity,” Mr Hassan explained.
“This not only harms individuals but also shakes the foundation of trust within families and the wider community.”
The memorandum emphasises the devastating effects such actions can have on social cohesion and family integrity, noting that women’s spaces in Bahraini society are traditionally associated with modesty, privacy and protection – values deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural and religious heritage.
Proponents of the bill point to similar laws in other countries, particularly the UAE, where Federal Decree Law No 36 of 2022 criminalises acts of disguise with intent to infiltrate female-only areas.
“We are not alone in this concern. Other Gulf countries have taken strong stances against such violations, and it’s time Bahrain follows suit with a clear and enforceable law,” said Mr Hassan.
The proposed bill grants judges discretionary authority to weigh the specific circumstances of each case. This flexibility is intended to ensure proportional justice and enhance the law’s deterrent effect.
“We trust our judiciary to apply this law with wisdom and fairness,” Mr Hassan noted.
“This isn’t about over-penalising, but about sending a clear message: violating the privacy of women in our society will not be tolerated.”
The bill is backed by a coalition of legislators, including MPs Mohammed Al Rifaee, Hamad Al Doy, Abdulwahid Qarata, and Bader Al Tamimi.
Mr Hassan said if enacted, the amendment would reinforce Bahrain’s legal framework protecting women’s privacy and underscore the government’s commitment to upholding traditional social values amid evolving societal and technological challenges.
“This law is a step towards greater societal respect and accountability,” stressed Mr Hassan.
“It is not merely about punishment, it’s about prevention, protection, and preserving the dignity of our mothers, sisters, and daughters.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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