Egypt's Yassir Barhami says 9-year-old girls should be permitted to marry. (Photo via BikyaMasr)
© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
Will New 'Democratic' Egyptian Constitution Allow 9-Year-Old Girls to Marry?
September 29, 2012
"Barhami and his allies want to legalize child rape"
An ultraconservative Egyptian cleric-- who is part of the committee drafting Egypt's new constitution-- is suggesting the country drastically lower the age limit at which girls can marry, Egyptian media is reporting.
According to BikyaMasr, cleric Yassir Barhami cited the Koran in stating that once a girl begins menstruating, usually around 14-years-old, she should begin having children.
Therefore, he reportedly explained, "it is permissible for the girl at the age of 9 or 10 to marry."
United Press international adds:
Barhami is a Salafist, a member of the ultra-conservative wing of Islam.[...]
Manal al-Taibi, who resigned from the constituent assembly to protest calls for a lower marriage age, said Barhami and his allies want to legalize child rape. [Emphasis added]
It should be noted that Barhami's position doesn't seem to be popular within the assembly, but as moderates resign or are pressured to leave, there are fewer voices to balance the fanatical Salafists.
Reuters related Thursday:
A group of high profile liberal and leftwing politicians in Egypt has said it will quit the assembly charged with drafting the country's new constitution within a week unless its concerns over Islamist-influenced content in the document are addressed.The constitution - which is being drawn up by a 100-member assembly - is meant to be the centerpiece of a new democratic Egypt after veteran autocrat Hosni Mubarak was ousted last year and its successful drafting is being seen as a litmus test for its new Islamist rulers including President Mohamed Mursi. [Emphasis added]
Ahmed al-Boraie, a former labor minister, summarized his complaints, commenting: "This is a constitution that brings Egypt backwards not forward."
(H/T: WeaselZippers)
--
Related:
- Egypt's President Morsi: 'I Will Do Everything in My Power to Secure Freedom' for the Blind Sheikh
- 'Obama and the Threat to Israel': See the 'Absolutely Uncertain' Video That's Gotten 650K Hits in 3 Days
- Egyptian President Morsi: U.S. Must Respect Arab History and Culture, Even if it Conflicts With Western Values
Want to leave a tip?
We answer to you. Help keep our content free of advertisers and big tech censorship by leaving a tip today.
Want to join the conversation?
Already a subscriber?
more stories
Sign up for the Blaze newsletter
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.
© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
Get the stories that matter most delivered directly to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.