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Critics: Afghan 'Home Rape' Law Worse Than Taliban

Wives can't refuse sex in Karzai nod to right

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 31, 2009 8:02 AM CDT

(Newser) – Critics are blasting a new law in Afghanistan that forbids a woman to refuse sex with her husband or to leave home without his permission, reports the Guardian. The law, opposed by the UN, is viewed as a major step backward for women in a nation whose constitution supports equal rights. Observers believe Afghan President Hamid Karzai signed the law to curry conservative support to win reelection. An Afghan senator called the changes "worse than during the Taliban."

Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai.   (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
Critics charge a new law in Afghanistan sets back women's rights and legalizes rape of wives by their husbands.
Critics charge a new law in Afghanistan sets back women's rights and legalizes rape of wives by their husbands.   (Getty Images)
Afghan President Hamid Karzai likely signed the law to curry favor with conservatives to win reelection.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai likely signed the law to curry favor with conservatives to win reelection.   (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
riffran
Apr 2, 2009 12:41 PM CDT
sure don't see much to the contrary, jail rape victims, wont let them drive, vote? Legal to beat your wife if they don't respect you, lets not forget the "honor" killings.....and yet where is the "good" examples of Islam? It is very difficult to find any....but please elaborate, I may be mistaken
justapirate
Apr 1, 2009 2:20 AM CDT
This makes me feel sick.
Shannonals
Mar 31, 2009 9:03 AM CDT
Laws made by men of Arabic descent doesn't mean the law is a reflection of Islam, only an ignorant individual would even think that. I don't see anyone out protesting against the Catholic Church for all the children molested by "men" of God.

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