What Do Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan and Desmond Tutu Have in Common?

They consider themselves 'Elders' under the criminal UN with its failed and corrupt assembly of stuffed shirts. Well they don't get to decide for me because we liberated women ages ago with an amendment to our constitution. And notice there is no mention of the Muslim's much loved sharia laws. That would have shown some real integrity. But the corrupt Globalistaz from the UN responsible for 'food for oil', misappropriated UNICEF money, and traffic jams in NYC want to tell the Judeo-Christian America of the founders, the true Elders. They want America to feel they are as bad as the 'cutthroats in dirty nightshirts'.

Steve G of FL 7:53AM July 26, 2009

The quote speaks about "the justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition." You jumped right to an example which has nothing to do with religion or tradition.

Surely, you can agree that in the countries where religion is being used as a justification for discrimination, getting a job as a firefighter is hardly their main concern.

Rather, problems persist in these countries that neither you nor I have ever even truly had to contemplate. In some countries, you must have more than one eyewitness in order to prosecute the rape of a woman. And, if she acknowledges the rape but doesn't have the necessary proof, then she is guilty of adultery and subject to punishment. In other countries, rape was not even a crime a decade ago. Still, in many countries, rape is not a crime if committed by your husband. Certainly, you would agree that we have an equal right to bodily autonomy, at least as it regards forcible assaults.

Less dramatic are the countries where women still don't have access to equivalent education or the right to drive a car. I think we would all agree, regardless of our faith, that biological differences cannot justify these inequities.

Discriminatory treatment can both disadvantage and advantage women. But, discrimination never seems to be used to benefit women nearly as much as it's used to harm them. Case in point: those same justifications you cite as being the reason to deny women equal access to certain jobs (our lower physical strength) are precisely what make women more vulnerable to physical attacks. Yet, you only argue for discriminatory policies that disadvantage us. Why not also argue for stricter laws for the rape or assault of a woman by a man?

The only logical justification for inequities such as these are a desire to maintain control or an honest belief that women are in some way inferior or less deserving. No other justification actually bears on the disparate treatment. Oh, wait, except one. Religion commands it.

Meryl of CA 9:00PM July 24, 2009

Islam, Judaism and Christianity are going to object to this---especially the quote from above: "as if it were prescibed by a higher authority".

These folks (men, especially) believe that their infallible scriptures exactly define the role, place and permissable behavior of women and girls. They will quote you chapter and verse.

Thankfully, though,-----slowly over time----the laws of many nations are being adopted by both men and women on secular reasoning. This has always been an uphill battle---and it sure ain't over.

Muser of NM 1:01PM July 24, 2009