[Restorer]

No argument.

The point I am attempting to make is that these laws are in direct contradiction to the basic principles of Islam as laid out in the Koran. Just as much of what Christian nations have done are in direct violation of the principles of the Bible.

This tells you much about the people involved, but little about the religions themselves.

There are a great many things for which the religion of Islam can be validly criticized, but these laws are not among them, since they are un-Islamic.

[freebilly]

There are a great many things for which the religion of Islam can be validly criticized, but these laws are not among them, since they are un-Islamic.

Granted, but it seems as though many "true" Moslems, in positions of authority, are afraid to speak out against the excesses of those who do violence in the name of Islam.

I know of no Christians, in positions of authority, who would remain silent if any group committed crimes in the name of Christ.

[BlackVeil]

So freebilly isn't up on the latest excuses by Catholic clerics ... you don't know what you are missing out on. Never seen such a series of excuses. I suppose that they do it to try the Christian patience of their congregations. But note that (in Australia) more doctors have been charged with sexual offenses than priests.

Restorer writes: "these laws are ... un-Islamic". I found a published source on this. I don't put much stake on anonymous internet sites, as any halfwit can put up an opinion. This is in a book by Ayatollah S.F. Milani, who is a real person (!) and publishes with Islamic and secular presses.

Frequently Asked Questions, Islamic answers for modern problems. (Islam in English Press, 2000), p 97.

Question: Someone told me that a girl needs five male witnesses before she can claim that she was raped.

Answer: Your informant's confusion arises from considering together two entirely different issues - adultery and rape. Four just witnessesare required by those who wish to accuse another of adultery - zina. Rape is an extremely serious crime. The suggestion that this violent act must be witnessed by four independent people is absurd if not downright evil. If a woman says no to sexual intercourse, whatever the circumstances, the use of coercion or force is a crime. There are not two sets of acceptable standards, one for Muslims and one for those who are not Muslim. In cases of rape, the female, in all judicial systems is likely to be asked if she consented to sexual intercourse. While lawyers' questions try to influence judges that the woman is in some way culpable in encouraging the perpetrator, the judges will determine the case in the light of the evidence put before them.

This is a Shia, not a Sunni, source. It is not a casual opinion, this Ayatollah is a recognised law giver, this is a published "fatwa" and is binding on his congregation. But his writ doesn't run in the Pakistani legal system.