Afghanistan Government Approves Rape

April 2. 2009

Northwestern Afghanistan (photo credit: Koldo Hormaza)

The government of Afghanistan has caused uproar in the world press, by enacting a law permitting husbands to rape their wives. I find that highly inappropriate and a blatant violation of human rights.

Critics assail Afghan law that 'legalizes rape'

KABUL – A new Afghan law makes it legal for men to rape their wives, human rights groups and some Afghan lawmakers said Thursday, accusing President Hamid Karzai of signing the legislation to bolster his re-election prospects. Critics worry the legislation undermines hard-won rights for women enacted after the fall of the Taliban's strict Islamist regime.

The law — which some lawmakers say was never debated in parliament — is intended to regulate family life inside Afghanistan's Shiite community, which makes up about 20 percent of this country of 30 million people. The law does not affect Afghan Sunnis.

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