A senior UK judge commented on a case, in which social services asked the court to decide on preventing a man from having sex with his wife of 20 years because she may no longer be able to give her consent.
However, the judge said he would hear all evidence and statements from all sides before making a decision.
"I cannot think of any more obviously fundamental human right than the right of a man to have sex with his wife — and the right of the state to monitor that. I think he is entitled to have it properly argued," he added.
His statement caused outrage by a Labour MP for Bristol West, Thangam Debbonaire, who said it legitimised "misogyny and woman-hatred."
According to social services, the woman in question didn't have the ability to freely give her consent, which prompted their request meant to ensure she is not raped.
The judge in turn said that the man may face a situation where he would risk prison sentence, but added that an order preventing him from having sex with his wife would be difficult to monitor.
Commentary on social media, including barristers' viewpoints, pointed out that the judge's comment was taken out of context and "but it doesn't mean the judge is misogynistic or doesn't understand the law."
According to UK law, it is illegal for an individual to commit a sexual act without the consent of their spouse or their ex-spouse, or against their will.