The National Council (NC) failed to pass the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill of Bhutan 2025 on Thursday after it did not secure a simple majority. Of the 23 members present, only 11 voted in favour, three voted against, and nine abstained, falling short of the required 13 votes. Click here
The Bill’s rejection followed intense debate, particularly over proposed amendments to Section 183 of the Penal Code, which deals with the rape of a child above 12 years of age. While several members sought changes to reduce penalties or decriminalise consensual sexual acts involving minors aged 12 to 18, the Legislative Committee maintained that the provision should remain unchanged, citing international legal standards and child protection principles.
Members supporting amendments argued that the current law has led to the imprisonment of young men involved in consensual relationships, even in cases where couples have lived together and had children. MP for Lhuentse, Kelzang Lhundup, highlighted that consensual marriages among individuals aged 16 to 18 are common in villages, and said the law often results in hardship for families when male partners face imprisonment after reaching adulthood. Ad
