Posted on 12/05/2006 7:04:14 PM PST by blam
Musharraf pledges to end bride sales
By Isambard Wilkinson in Islamabad
Last Updated: 1:42am GMT 06/12/2006
The president of Pakistan pledged yesterday to ban the sale of brides along with other controversial customs that deny women basic human rights.
Gen Pervez Musharraf announced that his government would shortly push through legislation that would also ensure women's rights to their inheritance.
"A Bill is being considered to remove unjust social practices against women and it should be passed by the parliament," Gen Musharraf told a women's convention in the capital, Islamabad.
He said that the legislation would ban the sale of women in marriage and end the age-old practice of marrying women to the Koran. The practice is used in some rural areas by families who symbolically condemn their daughters to a spartan life dedicated to the religious book, without a partner or material possessions. Woman married in this way automatically lose their right to inherit property.
The planned legislation was also aimed at ending the practice of giving women in marriage to settle disputes, and also at reforming divorce laws.
"I am proud that the government is considering this law for your betterment and I shall always stand by you," said Gen Musharraf.
His pledge came a week after he defied protests by religious fundamentalists and signed into law a Protection of Women Bill amending the country's Islamic rape legislation.
He confounded his liberal critics who did not believe that he had the resolve to act on his vision of "enlightened moderation".
"The women's protection Bill is just the beginning and it was a victory for the entire nation and a victory for moderates," he said.
What about bartering?
What about concubines? (Afghan refugee girls)
Mrs VS
No, I think he meant they just can't be discounted.
What about rentals?
..............
He's on our side, risking his life and countrymen. Give the man good credit.
What?? No more the bride sale??? Not even the bride with plow experience?
The practice of the bride giving a dowry to the groom is said to have originated in the system of recognition that not only the husband was responsible for providing for his wife, but her father shared this responsibility. It is not clear when the practice began in India. In the recent times, as women have better economic opportunities, this tradition no longer holds valid. While the burden is removed from a woman's father and brothers, it still remains with the husband. In India, the practice of giving women a dowry on breakage of marriage by husband still holds and is assisted by the judiciary and the police through threat of imprisonment.
Many times the transaction never ends; the women can come back to the courts for more dowry if she feels it necessary.
Darn it Darn it DARN IT! I just ordered two brides just the other day- Great- now I'll forever be a bachelor! http://sacredscoop.com
Bingo! While Europe (and the American Left) capitulate to the Caliphate, some have the courage to try to change things... if only a little.
Cut him some slack is what I say...
Damn, I was getting ready to trade my 40 year old in on 2 20 year olds.
Did someone say BOGO?
Sure you're wire for 220?
Nah, we are required to hate him because he is a muslim. They are all the same you know. Haven't you been listening to all the experts on the FR?
Do I get my deposit back?
Dangit. Just last week I put in an order for two of 'em. Wonder what the refund policy is gonna be?
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