A number of liberalists criticized some Islamist blocs in the National Assembly for activating the fatwa (edict) that will compel female lawmakers to wear veils, adding that these blocs are trying to enforce fundamentalist ideologies within the society, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The liberalists added that Islamist blocs are trying to control society by discussing marginal issues. They said these issues blocked the advancement wheel in the developmental and economic sectors. They drew the attention to the fact that Kuwait is a civil country governed by the constitution and the law, and not an Islamic country where lawmakers should be forced to wear a veil.

The liberalists explained that wearing the veil falls under the relationship between the person and God. Former MP Abdullah Al-Naibari said activating the fatwa at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs to is merely a step to fulfill political interests of some Islamist blocs. He added the issuing of the fatwa at this time is questionable. “Why was this issue not discussed before female lawmakers won in the National Assembly elections in 2009?” he asked. Similarly, former Minister of Oil and journalist Ali Al-Baghli agreed that Islamist blocs are turning the country into an Islamic one through such acts. He added that the power given to these blocs through the latest contracts has caused the country to fall behind politically, economically and developmentally, and has brought an increase in crime rate.

Meanwhile, the parliamentary perspectives varied between lawmakers who are for or against the fatwa. MP Dr Rola Dashti noted the people of Kuwait have chosen to follow the constitution as their guide and refer to it to understand the general principles concerning the country and the society. She explained that the lawmakers of the National Assembly took an oath to respect the constitution as a reference for the society even in times of controversy. MP Adnan Al-Mutawwa supported doing away with any strict decision in order to achieve more freedom. He added that he does not encourage the idea of turning Kuwait into a fundamental Islamic country, because a strict Islamic system failed in countries such as the Islamic Republic of Iran, Somalia and Afghanistan.

In contrast, MP Badi Al-Dosari described the fatwa as a successful one. He explained that Kuwait is a Muslim Arabic country and that the constitution states that which entails the Islamic Sharia is the main source of legislation. In a similar opinion, the Chairperson of the Kuwait Society for Human Rights Dr Adel Al-Damkhi affirmed that wearing the veil for Muslim women is an obligation. He added that it cannot be considered part of personal freedom rights. “I am surprised at the attitude of some people who are trying to take advantage of the situation to attack our religion and beliefs. Isn’t it enough to be stabbed by the enemies of Islam?” he asked.

Arab Times