Marriage and Culture 2

 

An extract from news.com.au (full article here .)

Location Northern Territory.

A 28-year-old man who raped and impregnated a 13-year-old girl promised to him as part of a “family arrangement” could be out of jail within a year. Justice Barr stated “It is clear that the girl’s family facilitated and approved the unlawful relationship between you and her,” he said.

Justice Barr said the arrangement was in-line with traditional norms.

“I conclude that the relationship did not breach Aboriginal customary law or offend against traditional cultural practice,” he said.

“However, I cannot take this into account in lessening the seriousness of your offending because (of) 16AA of the Crimes Act makes clear that I must do so.”