It will be forever ignored or denied by those who insist that Islam is a Religion of Peace, but in reality there is no Misunderstanding of Islam going on here. Every provision of this law as stated in this article, including the rule that women cannot refuse sex to their husbands at any time or for any reason, is part of traditional Islamic law. And so this new law is yet another indication of how the overtures to the Taliban from official Washington are out of focus. Will the U.S. stand up for these women and defend them? Absolutely not, because they are being victimized by Sharia, to which Washington has no apparent objection, and because they are not being blown up in terrorist attacks. The passing of a law in a non-violent manner — what’s the problem? It’s democracy at work!
“Hamid Karzai signs law ‘legalising rape in marriage,'” by Ben Farmer in the Telegraph, March 31 (thanks to Leal):
President Hamid Karzai has signed a law the UN says legalises rape in marriage and prevents women from leaving the house without permission.
The law, which has not been publicly released, is believed to state women can only seek work, education or doctor’s appointments with their husband’s permission.
Only fathers and grandfathers are granted custody of children under the law, according to the United Nations Development Fund for Women.
Opponents of the legislation governing the personal lives of Afghanistan’s Shia minority have said it is “worse than during the Taliban”.
Mr Karzai has been accused of electioneering at the expense of women’s rights by signing the law to appeal to crucial Shia swing voters in this year’s presidential poll.
While the Afghan constitution guarantees equal rights for women, it also allows the Shia community, thought to represent 10 per cent of the population, the right to settle family law cases according to Shia law.
The Shiite Personal Status Law contains provisions on marriage, divorce, inheritance, rights of movement and bankruptcy.
The bill passed both houses of the Afghan parliament, but was so contentious that the United Nations and women’s rights campaigners have so far been unable to see a copy of the approved bill….