Adam Syde, Contributor

Earlier this year, newspaper reports said a resident magistrate had suggested the wearing of chastity belts to prevent rape and sexual molestation.

In essence, such belts are supposed to protect and preserve the chastity of females who live with the constant threat of being sexually molested and/or raped, in some communities. What, therefore, is chastity?

It is a noun from the adjective chaste, which means 'beyond moral reproach'. A person who is chaste is not loose in his/her behaviour, especially sexually. And, according to Wikipedia, "A chastity belt is a locking item of clothing designed to prevent sexual intercourse and possibly masturbation. The purpose may also be to protect the wearer from rape or temptation."

But, the medieval and Victorian eras are long gone, and the age of innocence is buried with the dinosaurs. Thus, many questions come to mind.

Who should be wearing these belts? At what age should they start and stop? Who is going to manufacture these belts? Will they be imported? What material is going to be used? What about hygiene issues? How are these belts going to be kept locked? With a key? Who will keep the key, and where will it be kept? What happens when nature calls and the key is not around? What if the key is lost?

How women feel

And what about Jamaican women? How do they feel about this strange proposal? In this age of sexual liberation and sexiness, it is almost certain that most would not cover their genitalia with these primitive and arresting contraptions. In a poll conducted last week, 13 women were asked whether they would wear such a belt and the great majority replied, "No!" Here is what a few of them said:

So, there is no doubt that some women would take up the challenge and start to strap on. But why? Well, the judge said they should, and more so, since many Jamaican women are so fashionable they would turn the judge's suggestion into one big hype if only for the purpose of showing how fashionable they can be.

Fashion statement

There would be chastity belts of various sizes, colours and design, taking centre stage beside wigs and extensions in the stores and 'bend-down' markets across this fair isle. The enterprising vendor will even parade in one to show how well it fits. Suddenly, and ironically, the belt will become the biggest dancehall attire, not accessory.

For, while many regard the judge's proposal as backward, there are in fact modern-day chastity belts, for women and for men! Wikipedia says, "Today, chastity belts are sometimes used for (sexual) play and in consensual relationships ... or as a long-term method of preventing infidelity or masturbation. They range from simple leather or plastic toys commonly sold by adult stores, to expensive high-security stainless steel devices.

"The Modern chastity belt has a band around the waist or hips and a 'shield' running between the legs to cover the genitals. On belts intended for long-term wear, this shield must accommodate the wearer's hygienic needs.

"Most modern belts are fastened with padlocks. Some high-security designs nest the lock within a shroud to make it more difficult to attack with bolt cutters. A handful of manufacturers, however, do offer higher-priced models with integral locks for a sleeker profile."

To "protect the wearer from rape" and molestation is the context in which the suggestion was proffered. But instead of going back to the 'Dark Ages' ,why not use modern social intervention programmes to combat the social ills in this country?

If these don't work, stricter sexual offence laws must be enacted and enforced to send a clear message to offenders and would-be offenders. Laws with 'teeth', and not belts with razor-edged teeth at the front, should be the deterrent. And, what about the offenders, why not sentence them to a lifetime of wearing iron briefs?

Claris Wagerhood:

"I would wear a chastity belt on only one condition, that it can be removed with ease once I am within the confines of my home. But having been raped before, looking back, if I had been wearing one, I would have been spared the trauma of the horrendous act. Also I wouldn't have a problem wearing one if it is fashionable. If it is going to be a bulky thing that will cause me to change my way of dress, it can remain history."

Gloria Goodridge:

"That is our problem in this country. The victim who is already suffering from these carnal acts must suffer again because it is a man's world. Now the female's biological make-up is implied to be the problem so she must shut it away. Wearing the belt won't stave off the men's sick habits; it will only send them to the boys and (other) men."

adam.syde@yahoo.com

Names changed upon request.