WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. says legislation on population control approved by Myanmar’s parliament is dangerous and could undermine the democratic hopes of minority groups.
State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke voiced deep concern Tuesday over the bill. He said it could provide a legal basis for discrimination through coercive and uneven application of birth control policies.
Human Rights Watch says the bill directs authorities to impose “birth spacing” restrictions. It would require a 36-month interval between each child and could allow forced contraception, the group said.
The bill is the first of four government-backed bills to “protect race and religion.” Human Rights Watch says the legislation has been championed by activists with a racist and anti-Muslim agenda.
Rathke said women who have spoken out against the bills faced sexual harassment and death threats, demonstrating the “dangerous impact.”
Myanmar is facing international criticism over its treatment of minority Rohingya Muslims who have fled the predominantly Buddhist country, causing a refugee crisis in Southeast Asia.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Myanmar was a military dictatorship similar to North Korea until a devastating typhoon forced the generals to open up the country to outside influence. Despite the window dressing of an elected parliament in which the military is guaranteed at least 25% of the seats and de facto control of all major ministries, it is still a military dictatorship. They moved their capital to a brand new city constructed in the backwoods to avoid any interaction with actual people. They interfere with any social activity that is supported by the opposition parties. They still oppress the monks and tell them to stay out of politics. Their military is controlled to make sure that recruits have absolutely no contact with civilians. In general, they don’t play nicely with people.
When Obama was there not too long ago the people hoped that he would say something to the generals, but instead he told them how wonderful they are.
Sounds like a good idea to me. Left to themselves, humans do a very poor job not reproducing excessively. China’s one child policy has reduced the growth in population. India should do the same. Good for Myanmar.