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                   Afghan Lawmakers Block Women's Rights Law

   by VOA News

   Afghanistan's parliament has delayed action on a measure aimed at
   protecting women's rights.

   Activists say the move Saturday is a blow to progress made in women's
   rights in the conservative Muslim country since the ousting of the
   Taliban from power. The Taliban observed strict Islamic rule that
   banned Afghan women from attending school or participating in most
   public activity.

   Conservative lawmakers postponed the ratification Saturday, insisting
   that portions that are, in their words, "against Islamic law" be
   removed.

   The Law on Elimination of Violence Against Women took effect in 2009 by
   a decree by President Hamid Karzai. A female lawmaker brought the
   measure before parliament to prevent the potential reversal of the law
   by a future president.

   The law criminalizes forced marriage and child marriage. It also bans
   "baad," the traditional practice of exchanging women and girls to
   settle disputes.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/afghan-lawmakers-block-womens-rights-
   law/1663706.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/afghan-lawmakers-block-womens-rights-law/1663706.html