The call for equal rights is getting noisy in Bahraini.
MANAMA, Bahrain - A silent vigil outside Bahrain’s court house by women demanding equal rights turned noisy Monday when a group of Shiite Muslims staged a counter-rally, saying the women’s demands were un-Islamic.
More than 30 women, including many divorcees, held banners demanding the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry introduce a new law that would authorize civil rather than religious courts to rule on family cases. They also demanded that women representatives be included in drafting the law.
The women claimed their rights are being constantly undermined by the judicial process based on Islamic sharia law.
“Our Islam gives women equal rights in the society with men, but apparently the equality stressed by our beautiful religion is being violated on a daily basis,” said activist Ghada Jamsheer, 36.
Jamsheer said the current law gives only men the right to divorce.
“(Courts) are not following the true Islamic law and we are fed up and we want to change this,” said Jamsheer.
“Why should women always be under the mercy of men?” asked Suroor Qarooni, a member of the Bahrain Women Society. “Islam gave the woman independence and privacy to be strong but the culture is depriving her of her rights.”
The women also want authorities to ban polygamy. Muslims can have up to four wives at a time.