(MENAFN- Jordan Times) The Tunisian government took, most recently, the decision, controversial to many, to lift the ban on Tunisian women marrying non-Muslim men, in a move the president of the country said gave them 'the freedom to choose one's spouse'.
Tunisia has been considered one of the most progressive Arab countries; it has long been promoting gender equality and, as far back as 1956, it abolished polygamy.
The recent lifting of the ban removes the legal impediment to marrying outside the official state religion. The move, another step towards guaranteeing more freedom to women in the country, will hopefully also lead to the removal of cultural and traditional barriers facing women who enter interfaith marriages.
It means, equally hopefully, a move in the direction of granting women equal inheritance rights in a society, not unlike those in the rest of the Arab countries that favour sons, particularly in matters of inheritance.
Opponents of these moves would bring up the complaint that decisions leading to gender equality are contrary to Islam, but no nation, or religion for that matter, can profess equality and an end to discrimination while perpetuating gender inequality when it comes to inheritance or marrying rights.
The true spirit of Islam does not tolerate such discriminatory treatment of women. Other Muslim nations should consider following in Tunisia's footsteps; they should, at least, reflect deeper on all aspects of discrimination that still exist in their societies on the basis of gender.
Tunisia has shown the will to apply a more enlightened and progressive interpretation of religion.
There was a time, in the distant past, when some forms of gender discrimination were promoted for reasons valid at the time.
But economic, social and political conditions in the world have changed considerably over the past centuries, and they negate the justification for maintaining gender inequality.
It must be pointed out in this context that Muslim countries are repeatedly pressed at international human rights fora to remove all forms of gender discrimination, including citizenship and inheritance rights, and the right to choose one's spouse.
The international criticism is not going away. Muslim countries will have to reckon with this reality sooner or later.
Women — mothers, wives, daughters or perfect strangers — form half of the society. They are as important to life as men, if not more, and discrimination against them has no place in societies living in the 21st century.
Tunisia is still leading the way. Others need to follow.
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