Posted on 12/13/2005 10:31:11 AM PST by blam
Nigerian women ignore bike ban
Women say there is no public transport alternative
Women in the northern Nigerian state of Kano are ignoring a ban stopping them travelling on public motorbike taxis. On Monday religious authorities began implementing the ban passed earlier this year.
In accordance with Sharia law, men and women are not allowed to travel together on public transport.
The women say there are not enough public transport alternatives in the state that adopted Sharia law in 2000.
The BBC's Ado Sale Kankiya in the city of Kano says some 9,000 religious marshals are on the streets to implement the ban.
Despite the officials and publicity leading up to the implementation of the law, many women are still riding on the bikes, he says.
About 500 three-wheeled motorbike taxis and 100 women's-only buses have been introduced, but women say this is not sufficient.
Our correspondent says officials are not arresting or fining offenders, just warning them about the new law.
In Zamfara State, taxi riders have been lashed when found carrying female passengers.
For and against
Kano is one of several Muslim majority states that adopted Sharia law five years ago.
The move initially heightened tensions between Muslims and Christians and led to clashes which left thousands dead.
Human rights groups have condemned abuses sanctioned under the law including amputations and flogging, and say it discriminates against women.
Sharia law appears to have retained popular support in the north.
But there is significant opposition to the law, especially among the Christian minority.
While officially it does not apply to them, many say that in practice they are forced to comply.
When they first introduced Sharia law in Nigeria - they said - don't worry - it will not affect the Christians...
"But there is significant opposition to the law, especially among the Christian minority.
While officially it does not apply to them, many say that in practice they are forced to comply" Why, I thought Islam was the religion of tolerance.
Uppity Christians. A few beheadings will put them in their place.
Stoning?
Rape?
Be-headed?
Is there anything that sharia doesn't ban? Oh wait, yes...
Honor killing risk hightened.
Whatever it is, it will be tolerated (and admired) by the Western Left, because of Multiculturalism.
The honorable Christian, Jewish, and animist thing to do is to shoot the Mullahs. Basic human survival is at stake. Islam has completely retarded progress. In fact Islam is for retards. And, I'm in a good mood today, Tookies day
Good. I hope they ignore every law.
Slight understatement.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.