Why Are Islamists Blocking Child Sex Trafficking Laws From Egypt's New Constitution?

Photo Credit: Middle East Media Research Institute

Muhammad Saad Al-Azhari, an Islamist member of Egypt's constitutional assembly, took to Al-Nas TV recently to give his opinion on the controversy surrounding the creation of Egypt's new, post-Arab Spring constitution.

Though it was said that the Egyptian revolution would lead to greater freedom and democracy, the country's Christians and more secular citizens are becoming increasingly isolated as the Islamists in the constitutional assembly gain more and more power-- and Al-Azhari is one of those Islamists.

Speaking with sympathetic television personality Sheikh Khaled Abdallah, Al-Azhari explained why he is against rules outlawing sex trafficking and domestic abuse.

Watch the stunning video, via the Middle East Media Research Institute, in which he and the host rationalize child marriage, rape, and wife-beating:

Azhari began with sex trafficking laws, saying they could conflict with the culture of marrying girls off at the age of 9, or whenever they hit puberty.

"The important thing is that the girl is ready and can tolerate marriage," he explained.

He then protested laws protecting women from violence, warning: "If your wife claims that you were intimate with her without her consent, it will be considered rape..."

He added: "If you have full sexual relations with your wife against her will, she will be able to file a complaint against you."

Abdallah looked disgusted by the prospect, saying "that's where things are headed."

The television host concluded the interview:

The people of Egypt should know what those secularists are trying to do..."Child protection" means that if your child goes astray, you cannot discipline him, beat him, or even say a word to him, or else he might call 911 like they do in America.

Your wife will act insolently, and you won't be able to say a word to her. Forget about your manhood. If you dare to say anything to her, she will call the police on you. They want to exclude the Islamists from formulating the constitution, and do things that contradict the shari'a and the teachings of our Prophet. Go ahead.