Myanmar president approves controversial population law ‎

The president of Myanmar has signed a controversial bill into law that requires some mothers to space their children three years apart, despite objections by rights activists, who worry it could be used not only to repress women, but also religious and ethnic minorities.  The Population Control Health Care Bill - drafted under pressure from hard-line Buddhist monks with a staunchly anti-Muslim agenda - was passed by parliamentarians last month.  Associated Press reported state-run media saying on Saturday that President Thein Sein gave his stamp of approval on Tuesday.

As predominantly Buddhist Myanmar started moving from dictatorship to democracy four years ago, newfound freedoms of expression lifted the lid on deep-seeded hatred for minority Muslims - including Rohingya Muslims now heading to Southeast Asian shores in crowded, rickety boats.  Many are fleeing persecution and violence that has left up to 280 people dead and forced another 140,000 from their homes in western Rakhine state. They are living under apartheid-like conditions in dusty, crowded camps, with little access to education or adequate medical care. They also have little freedom of movement, having to pay hefty bribes if they want to pass police barricades, even for emergencies.

The population law, which carries no punitive measures, gives regional authorities the power to implement birth-spacing guidelines in areas with high rates of population growth.  Though the government says the law is aimed at bringing down maternal and infant mortality rates, activists argue that it steps on women's reproductive rights and can be used to suppress the growth of marginalized groups. 

Hard-line Buddhists have repeatedly warned that Muslims, with their high birthrates, could take over the country of 50 million even though they currently represent less than 10 percent of the population.  (Source: AP)