Pastor Martin Ssempa Advocates for Mandatory Marital Sex in The Marriage Bill 2024
Renowned Ugandan pastor and activist, Pastor Martin Ssempa, has urged Parliament to introduce a clause in The Marriage Bill, 2024, that mandates married couples to engage in sexual intercourse at least three times a week.
Ssempa presented his proposal during his submission to the joint committees on Legal and Gender, which are currently reviewing the bill, championed by Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi.
Ssempa’s Argument: Sex as a Marital Right
The outspoken pastor emphasized that sexual intimacy is a fundamental aspect of marriage and that denying a spouse intimacy should be classified as an offence under the proposed legislation.
“If this Committee is going to be bold, let us be bold and say, if a wife or husband asks for sex and it is denied, that should constitute an offence. We can even spell out what we call minimum conjugal standards—at least three times a week.”
Ssempa highlighted the lack of legal protection for spouses who are denied sexual intimacy, arguing that this is one of the leading causes of marital breakdowns. He further stressed that the current laws do not provide legal recourse for individuals who suffer from sexual neglect within marriage.
“Right now, spouses who are denied sex have no legal remedy. You ask for intimacy, and the response is, ‘I have a headache’ or ‘You don’t have money.’ The most painful one is when they list all the things you haven’t done.”
Sex as a Marital Obligation
According to Ssempa, marriage should come with the expectation of regular intimacy, and both men and women should understand that sexual fulfillment is a fundamental marital duty.
“Men and women should enter marriage knowing that this is part of their conjugal duty. Some women don’t realise that for men, sex is like food. They cook food for you, but the food of the bedroom isn’t provided.”
Public and Parliamentary Reactions
Ssempa’s controversial proposal has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers, religious leaders, and the public. While some agree that intimacy plays a crucial role in maintaining strong marriages, others argue that enforcing minimum sexual standards in marriage is unrealistic and intrusive.
Legal experts have also pointed out that criminalizing sexual denial within marriage could lead to complicated legal and ethical dilemmas, particularly regarding individual autonomy and consent.
The Marriage Bill 2024: What to Expect
The Marriage Bill 2024, currently under review, seeks to address various aspects of marital rights and responsibilities. While Pastor Ssempa’s proposal is not yet an official part of the bill, it has ignited discussions about the role of intimacy in marriage and potential legal interventions.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Parliament will consider Ssempa’s suggestion or if it will be dismissed as an impractical addition to the bill.
