Paulina Quintao – The President of Women Parliamentarian Group Timor-Leste (GMPTL) MP Josefa Alvares Pereira Soares urges the VI Constitutional Government to strengthen some existing laws to address the issue of polygamy in the country.

According to MP Soares, polygamy is on the rise in Timor-Leste so the new government has to look into this issue seriously and ensure relevant laws are implemented.

"The implementation of the laws is not strict therefore the government needs to pay attention to this issue," said MP Soares, at the National Parliament, Dili.

She added unless everybody makes an effort in the fight against polygamy in the country, it can destroy families and the nation. MP Soares added that women claimed to GMPTL that some government members are also involved in polygamy cases.

Woman's rights activist Yasinta Luijina said polygamy is a violent behavior that can destroy a family and a nation so it needs to be combated. She said it is important to take the issue seriously and implement some laws that hold polygamist's accountable and that prevents polygamous behavior.

"Sensibility to the laws is very important for society, especially for women to know that they are protected by laws," said Lujinha.

She added polygamy appears to be increasing in Timor-Leste and involves many male leaders; therefore it is necessary to promote the participation of the leadership as partners in national events on the issue.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/news/13222-gmptl-new-government-has-to-address-polygamy-in-tl