Sunday, May 19, 2013

Afghan Parliament Halts Debate on Women's Rights Law




The debate by Afghan MPs about beefing up a law preventing violence against women was stopped after 15 minutes when traditionalists called for the law to be scrapped all together.  The 2009 law that bans violence against women, child marriage, and forced marriage was passed by the presidential decree, but did not gain the support of the MPs.   Many women were concerned about it being debated in parliament in that the debate could weaken the law, or throw it out all together.  During the debate some demanded the law be changed so that men could not be prosecuted for rape within marriage.  Some said that the president signing the law in the first place was against Sharia law.  Many are doubtful that any president of Afghanistan will have a commitment towards women’s issues.  
Erin Burneson


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