...And encouraged...And expected. That's the horrible part of this -- the Saudis probably can't understand why this is illegal. They treat animals better than women. It also explains a bit why terrorism is rampant among Middle Easterners -- no regard for human life (except for male Arabs).
The NOW Gang and similar groups should absolutely shut up about the state of women in this country: they should start campaigning in places where they can really make a difference.