Controversial pastor Martin Ssempa has urged Parliament to legalise polygamy for Christians, criminalise adultery.
Speaking before the Committees on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Gender, Labour, and Social Development on Thursday, Ssempa, the leader of Makerere Community Church, argued that while current marriage laws recognise only monogamy within Christian unions, many devoted Christians are in polygamous marriages.
“We must recognize polygamy as an arrangement within the Christian community. Why should we separate families or break down marriages simply to conform to certain definitions of Christianity?” he questioned.
Ssempa made his proposals during discussions on the Marriage Bill, 2024, which seeks to reform, repeal, and consolidate Uganda’s legal framework on marriage.
The bill aims to define recognised forms of marriage, as well as outline provisions for separation and dissolution.
Unfazed by potential controversy, Ssempa claimed that many pastors share his views but hesitate to express them publicly.
“We cannot exclude those who marry more than one wife from being considered Christians,” he asserted.
Ssempa also called on legislators to criminalise adultery, arguing that its unregulated nature has led to the collapse of many marriages.
“We lack legal clarity on how to handle domestic disputes, particularly those involving adultery. A marriage law without provisions on adultery fails to protect the sanctity of the covenant,” he said.
The pastor further urged Parliament to legislate against the denial of conjugal rights, which he described as a major cause of domestic violence and marital breakdowns.
Commending the bill’s provision that voids a marriage if it is not consummated within the first six months, Ssempa suggested an additional clause requiring couples to fulfill their conjugal obligations at least three times per week.
“Denial of sex in marriage is a serious issue destroying families, yet it is not adequately addressed in the law,” he argued.
Ssempa’s proposals sparked debate among MPs, with some challenging the theological basis for polygamy in Christianity.
“Can you cite a New Testament scripture that permits Christians to have more than one wife? Why introduce polygamy into Christian marriages when other marriage forms, such as customary and Islamic unions, already allow for it?” asked Hon. Laura Kanushu, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Gender, Labour, and Social Development.
Hon. Stephen Bakka Mugabi, Chairperson of the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, raised concerns about the extent of state involvement in private marital affairs.
“Aren’t we over-legislating by allowing the state to dictate what happens in people’s bedrooms? Is there research to justify setting a specific number of times for couples to engage in marital relations?” he questioned.
The debate over the Marriage Bill, 2024 continues, with stakeholders weighing in on these controversial proposals and their potential impact on Uganda’s legal and social landscape.
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