AHRAM ONLINE
Leftist and liberal parties, groups voice ‘deep concern’ after draft constitution article promises gender equality ‘without contradicting precepts of Islamic Law’
Following publication of Article 36 of the ‘Rights and Duties’ section of Egypt’s draft constitution, a number of political parties, coalitions and public figures have issued a joint statement expressing their “deep concern” for the draft article’s wording, which, they say, could compromise women’s historical rights.
The wording as it currently stands reads: “The state is committed to taking all constitutional and executive measures to ensure equality of women with men in all walks of political, cultural, economic and social life, without contradicting the precepts of Islamic Law.”
The article adds: “The state will provide all necessary services for mothers and children for free, and will secure for women protection, along with social, economic and medical care and the right to inheritance, and will ensure a balance between the woman’s family responsibilities and work in society.”
Critics fear that the wording of the draft article is a convoluted detour around equal rights between men and women, due to the ambiguity over the phrase “without contradicting the precepts of Islamic Law.”
Ahram Online for more
(Thanks to Harsh Kapoor of SACW)