Women, minorities worry about draft of Iraq charter.Concerns mounted throughout the summer that Islam Islam (ĭsläm`, ĭs`läm), [Arab.,=submission to God], world religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad. Founded in the 7th cent., Islam is the youngest of the three monotheistic world religions (with Judaism and Christianity). will take a prominent place in Iraq's new constitution, threatening the rights of women and religious minorities. A 71-member committee working to prepare a constitution has sent conflicting signals on how prominent a role Islam will play in the nation's new governing gov·ern v. gov·erned, gov·ern·ing, gov·erns v.tr. 1. To make and administer the public policy and affairs of; exercise sovereign authority in. 2. document and to what extent equality for women will be ensured. In late July, The Washington Post reported that Humam Hammoudi, the constitution committee chairman, said that Iraq's charter would enshrine en·shrine also in·shrine tr.v. en·shrined, en·shrin·ing, en·shrines 1. To enclose in or as if in a shrine. 2. To cherish as sacred. "a significant role for religion in the state." At a news briefing, Hammoudi said that the committee was working to build a government that would fall somewhere between the more secular Muslim nation of Turkey and the Muslim theocracy theocracy Government by divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided. In many theocracies, government leaders are members of the clergy, and the state's legal system is based on religious law. Theocratic rule was typical of early civilizations. of Iran. Earlier in the month, a draft constitution obtained by reporters stated that Islam would be "a main form of legislation." It was also reported that the committee is considering proposals to allow family law to be dictated dic·tate v. dic·tat·ed, dic·tat·ing, dic·tates v.tr. 1. To say or read aloud to be recorded or written by another: dictate a letter. 2. a. by Shariah, a strict interpretation of Koranic law. |
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