Easing Sharia Law: UAE Banned from Killing Women Who 'Shamed' the Family
'11.11.2020'
Source: Meduza.io
The authorities of the United Arab Emirates announced a review of a number of Islamist laws in force in the country. UAE President Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahyan approved amendments to laws on personal status, civil transactions, as well as to the criminal and criminal procedure codes, reports Meduza.io.
The UAE has criminalized "honor killings", that is, the murder of a woman by a member of her family under the pretext of protecting honor. Previously, a man who killed a female relative who was believed to have disgraced the family could receive a lenient sentence. According to human rights activists, women are often killed because of sex outside of marriage or suspicion of sex, BBC News points out.
Now for "honor killings" in the UAE will be tried in the same way as for other murders. WAM said the changes were made to the laws "out of the UAE's strong commitment to protecting women's rights." Another part of the amendments introduces additional punishment for men who harass women, including harassing them in the street.
Another notable change is that the UAE has abolished fines for drinking alcohol. Now residents of the country and visitors who are over 21 years old can drink, store or sell alcoholic beverages without a license in their homes and in permitted public places without facing criminal penalties.
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As the Associated Press notes, beer and other spirits are widely available in bars and clubs, but until recently people had to obtain a government license to buy alcohol, bring it home and drink. The National argues that punishment for drinking alcohol without a license was considered rare, but a person could be fined for it if he was held accountable for another crime. The new rules prohibit doing this.
Another innovation allows unmarried couples to live together. In the past, living together before marriage - as well as living together with unrelated neighbors - was considered a crime. As noted by AP, before the authorities, especially in Dubai, could turn a blind eye to this if the punishment concerned foreigners, but the threat of punishment for them still existed.
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In addition, the UAE authorities canceled the punishment for attempted suicide, and also allowed foreigners to be guided by the laws of their countries, and not Sharia law, in matters such as divorce and inheritance. At the same time, the provisions of the laws remained unchanged in the country, according to which homosexuals, crossdressers, as well as people who publicly show feelings, for example, kissing, will face punishment, notes AP.
The UAE authorities changed the laws to “reinforce the principles of tolerance in society” and strengthen the country's position as a center for life and work, WAM reported. The laws were amended three months after the UAE and Israel, through the mediation of US President Donald Trump, agreed in August to normalize relations. In addition, as the Associated Press writes, in October 2021, the World Expo will be held in Dubai, which will attract up to 25 million foreigners to the UAE.
