Tuesday, August 27, 2002
Iran’s lawmakers move a step closer in improving women’s rights in country
A story released today by the Associated Press reports that Iran's parliament approved a bill giving women the right to sue for divorce, a right already guaranteed for men.
Approved by the 290-seat parliament the Iranian Civil Code is amended to allow women to seek a divorce in court, said lawmaker Elaheh Koolaee.
In order to become law, the bill must be approved by the hard-line Guardian Council, which reviews all laws passed by parliament and oversees elections. No date has been set for its review.
The amendment defines alimony and lets women demand housing and health allowances.
Koolaee, a Tehran university professor and women's rights advocate, said Iran's 12 female lawmakers had been fighting for "comprehensive changes" to improve women's rights.
Under Iran's Islamic laws, a woman needs her husband's permission to work or travel abroad. A man's court testimony is considered twice as important as a woman's, while men are allowed to keep four spouses at once, a right not granted to women.
Women have enjoyed greater freedoms since the 1997 election of President Mohammad Khatami, who appointed a woman as vice president. Other women have been appointed to top government posts, but not Cabinet positions.
The reformist-dominated parliament has already succeeded in lifting a ban on unmarried women studying abroad.
