Islam, like most religions, imposes centuries-old dogma on women and demands their submission. Their role is as silent servants first and individuals second—and their treatment in Islamic states reflects this fundamental inequality. In too many of these states, women are explicitly denied rights afforded to men—freedom of movement, freedom to work, and freedom to wear what one pleases.
More broadly, troubling patterns in Islamic scripture and custom exacerbate gender inequality. It is women who bear the guilt and shame of “modesty culture,” not men. In many countries, women cannot initiate the process of divorce and are not entitled to any of the couple’s shared possessions, nor can they seek meaningful justice if they are raped by their husbands. And in the most extreme cases, a woman who fails to remain chaste and in her place risks honor violence.
Human rights—to blaspheme, speak, and live freely—are universal and do not discriminate by sex. No woman’s freedom or agency should be impeded for the sake of a religious text, and a religious culture that perpetuates inequality should not command deference.
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The family of a gay man who had been working for Qatar Airways has publicized new information about the case the government is prosecuting against him. Manuel Guerrero Aviña, a “British-Mexican” man, was reportedly targeted by Qatari authorities posing as an interested man on Grindr. Manuel was subsequently arrested and charged with offenses related to drug possession. His family and human rights activists alike contend that he was targeted for his sexual orientation, denied medication for his HIV condition in custody, and pressured to reveal information about other gay men to the authorities during the 42 days he was imprisoned. He has been released pending trial, but without his passport, and his family reportedly wishes to see the UK government intervene to bring him home.
Pakistani Senate body: Abuse of blasphemy law must end