Should prisoners have conjugal rights?

Conjugal visits are opportunities given to prisoners to spend several hours in private with their legal spouse to engage in sex. However this is something that is not practiced in Rwanda. Society Magazine’s Doreen Umutesi talked to different Rwandans to have their say on whether prisoners should receive conjugal visits. It depends, but overall, I think prisoners should receive conjugal visits. They should be given a right to meet their spouses honestly. But hardcore criminals like murderers should be denied that right. Once someone has committed the most heinous of crimes, they should have no right at all!Geoffrey Kamali, Resident of NyarugengeIn my own opinion, I think prisoners should not exercise conjugal duties. When someone is in prison it’s an automatic indication that they are deprived of some rights. Hon. Alphonsine Mukamugema, President of the FFRP (The Forum of Rwandan Women Parliamentarians)Prisoners should receive conjugal visits because it a natural right. It’s dangerous if people don’t exercise natural right. If they don’t exercise such rights, negative characters, social vices and there related dangers are developed thus end up affecting society when they are released from prisoners. Amin Muhire, Professional Traditional Dancer.Legally married prisoners should receive conjugal rights. If they are deprived of such a right, it affects their spouses especially those that are serving many years. What will become of a married man or woman who spouse is serving 30years in prison?Anita Pendo, Presenter at Radio OneI don’t think prisoners should receive any conjugal rights. Why are they prisoners in the first place? When in prison, one is not entitled to any privileges because they are paying for the crimes they committed. Being in prison is a punishment. Aaron Mugabi, PhysiotherapistSpecific prisoners should receive conjugal visits; most especially those who pleaded guilty and they are amending their ways. But prisoners who forcefully deny the crimes they committed and they don’t even try to seek forgiveness should not be granted any privileges whatsoever.Fiona Kamikazi, Mode