Lubna Hussein, Hero

When the subject of Islamic dress comes up, it's often phrased the way President Obama put it in his Cairo speech -- as women's right to wear what they want. Hear, hear. But what about those pesky laws that force women to wear what the theocrats want-- or face arrest and a beating? Iran and Saudi Arabia are not the only countries with a government-enforced dress code.

As has been widely reported, 13 Sudanese girls and women listening to music in a Khartoum cafe were arrested on July 3-- for wearing trousers. Never mind that that in much of the Muslim world, for example Pakistan and Turkey, pants are normal traditional garb. Article 152 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits "indecency" in dress without defining what it is, was invoked in all its rigor. 1o of the 13 women accepted a plea bargain -- ten lashes and a fine. But journalist and UN press officer Lubna Hussein, and two others insisted on going to trial-- even though losing in court will mean forty lashes and a much bigger fine. In fact, Hussein resigned her UN post so as not to have immunity -- she wants to win this battle on principle, not a technicality, and have the dress-code law abolished. ""I will take my case to the upper court, even to the constitutional court," she told The Guardian . "And if they find me guilty, I am ready to receive not only 40 lashes, I am ready for 40,000 lashes. If all women must be flogged for what they wear, I am ready to be flogged 40,000 times."

What a hero! I'm in awe of this woman's courage and daring. Her case has given heart to Sudanese women and men sick of the harsh Sharia law that has been in force in Sudan since l989, when President Omar al-Bashir seized power in a coup. Large demonstrations outside the courthouse in support of the women were put down violently by police. The story of Lubna Hussein has made headlines around the world.

As usual, Western feminists have beeen charged with going AWOL on human rights for Muslim women , most recently by Susie Mesure in The Independent, who accused "the sisterhood" of being overly concerned with their own trivial issues, like sexist men's magazines and "perceived discrimination in the workplace." Before this canard hardens into conventional wisdom, let me note that in fact, there's been a fair amount of coverage of Lubna Hussein in the feminist blogosphere, including The Women's Media Center, The F-Word and -- wait for it -- Jezebel, Gawker's much maligned potty-mouthed younger sister.

But of course there can always be more.

You can sign the Arab Women's Connection petition supporting Lubna Hussein here.

Comments (46)

1. POLLITT: "1o of the 13 women accepted a plea bargain -- ten lashes and a fine."

   Looks to me, most Sudanese women, 77% of the more `modern' ones, do believe in "harsh Sharia law that has been in force in Sudan since l989".

   Then you consider the 100% of the less-modern Sudanese women likely also thinks abiding Sharia laws as (their) God's ways....

   Why should any good Liberal intervene in Sudanese affairs?

   Posted by Happy at 08/10/2009 @ 4:04pm

2. Hussein is certainly to be applauded. While I wonder if western feminists would start to complain about "objectification" if Hussein wins and Sudanese women start wearing less clothing than the quasi-tent required under Sharia, I think Lubna Hussein is a very brave person indeed for standing up the way she is in a Sharia country, especially a place notoriously as inhumane as Sudan.

   Posted by syfriendly at 08/10/2009 @ 4:04pm

3. Happy: Any good Liberal would know that the human race hangs together, or we hang seperately.

   Posted by MarySueSayeth at 08/10/2009 @ 4:16pm

4. Hear hear.

   Posted by Thrawn at 08/10/2009 @ 4:16pm

5. Why should any good Liberal intervene in Sudanese affairs?

   Posted by Happy at 08/10/2009 @ 4:04pm

   Wait, do they have oil?

   Posted by MATTMAN at 08/10/2009 @ 4:23pm

6. Thanks for this terrific piece. Lubna's case presents us with a simple moral imperative. If you believe that women are full human beings whose lives are as worthy as men's, you have no choice but to be moved by and unconditionally support a woman willing to face harsh punishment in order to highlight her diminshed human status under sharia law. As a Turkish-American woman, I have seen my own family in Turkey struggle with the complex moral codes of dress, culture, religion. Lubna's case is not complex. She is right, and we should all tell her story.

   Posted by Tristin at 08/10/2009 @ 4:57pm

7. Katha,

   Thank you for writing such an important piece explaining the conditions that Lubna Hussein faces. She is brave for protesting, speaking up, and for literally putting herself on the line. This issue is about basic liberties and human rights. It's about how Lubna Hussein and others in her situation are denied these liberties and rights and face punishment for resisting. Your explanation of this political situation is vital and appreciated.

   Posted by BigGuy1 at 08/10/2009 @ 4:58pm

8. Why should any good Liberal intervene in Sudanese affairs? Posted by Happy at 08/10/2009 @ 4:04pm |

   We're afraid they're making more deadly, deadly aspirin and want to do another sortie?

   We want to keep them from being the next Afghastlistan?

   I could try to come up with some kind of metaphor involving a children's game if that'd make it more palatable for you.

   Posted by snowball777 at 08/10/2009 @ 5:46pm

9. Happy: Any good Liberal would know that the human race hangs together, or we hang seperately.

   Posted by MarySueSayeth at 08/10/2009 @ 4:16pm

   When has the human race EVER hung together? What does `tribes' or `clans' mean to you? Why are there nations today? And states, provinces, continents, religions out the wazoo?

   Posted by Happy at 08/10/2009 @ 6:27pm

10. "But journalist and UN press officer Lubna Hussein, and two others insisted on going to trial-- even though losing in court will mean forty lashes and a much bigger fine."

    Hero is hardly the word of choice, abject Fool does come to mind especially if the "religion of peace" decides an example is to be made for infidel behavior!

    I doubt their constitution if they have one contains that silly clause; Congress ( or parliment in their case) shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

    Posted by BigPasture at 08/10/2009 @ 7:01pm

11. The Borgen Project has some good information on the cost of addressing global poverty (borgenproject dot org). It only takes $30 billion annually to end world hunger! Yet... we are spending $550 billion annually on the defense budget.

    Posted by hawaiianchica423 at 08/10/2009 @ 7:25pm

12. And England allows Sahria nonsense to be practiced there...

    I am sure some loon will suggest the same be done here...so we don't offend or upset the Islamo nuts...

    The Sharia enforcers should have 40 lashes with a Rose bush and force fed a pork sandwhich ...

    ..just doing Gos work, of course.

    Posted by YourJomamma at 08/10/2009 @ 8:25pm

13. Posted by BigPasture at 08/10/2009 @ 7:01pm |

    According to the 2005 version...

    "CHAPTER I THE STATE AND THE CONSTITUTION

    Nature of the State

    (1) The REPUBLIC of the Sudan is an independent, sovereign State. It is a democratic, decentralized, multi-cultural, multilingual, multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious country where such diversities co-exist.

    (2) The State is committed to the respect and promotion of human dignity; and is founded on justice, equality and the advancement of human rights and fundamental freedoms and assures multi-partism.

    (3) The Sudan is an ALL EMBRACING homeland where religions and cultures are sources of strength, harmony and inspiration.

    ...

    Fundamental Bases of the Constitution

    This Constitution is predicated upon and guided by the following principles:- (a) the unity of the Sudan is based on the FREE WILL OF ITS PEOPLE, supremacy of the rule of law, decentralized democratic governance, accountability, equality, respect and justice,"

    Not that they live up to said promises, but they make similar ones ours.

    http://www.sudan-embassy.de/c_Sudan.pdf

    Posted by snowball777 at 08/10/2009 @ 10:00pm

14. "(3) Where national legislation is currently in operation or is to be enacted and its source is religion or custom, then a state, and subject to Article 26 (1) (a) herein in the case of Southern Sudan, the majority of whose residents do not practice such religion or customs may:- (a) either introduce legislation so as to allow practices or establish institutions, in that state consistent with their religion or customs, or (b) refer the law to the Council of States to be approved by a two-thirds majority of all the representatives or initiate national legislation which will provide for such necessary alternative institutions as may be appropriate.

    Religious Rights The State shall respect the religious rights to:- (a) worship or assemble in connection with any religion or belief and to establish and maintain places for these purposes,"

    Posted by snowball777 at 08/10/2009 @ 10:02pm

15. Posted by BigPasture at 08/10/2009 @ 7:01pm

    After that, RIO will double-back and tell us that this is a "Christian nation, always has been" and contradict his embrace of religious pluralism and free thinking.

    Posted by Mask at 08/10/2009 @ 10:12pm

16. Posted by Mask at 08/10/2009 @ 10:12pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-G-GOTCHA!

    Posted by urmygyro at 08/10/2009 @ 10:29pm

17. Thanks for the post, Katha. Lubna Hussein's courage is refreshing - a true inspiration. And if it hadn't been for the feminist media all around the world, we would have never heard about it.

    Posted by ktrig at 08/10/2009 @ 10:29pm

18. Glad to know the supposed problems in the Sudan, you know Dafur, are just imagined. Maybe if the mainly Christian citizens in the southern Dafur region would just have petitioned the Islamic north all will be well and they would not have been driven out and most killed by the genocidal Islamic government!

    Posted by BigPasture at 08/10/2009 @ 10:35pm

19. The Islamic "religion of peace" has created heaven on earth in Sudan, I guess if you are muslim and not a christian or unbeliever!

    Posted by BigPasture at 08/10/2009 @ 10:37pm

20. After that, RIO will double-back and tell us that this is a "Christian nation, always has been" and contradict his embrace of religious pluralism and free thinking.

    Posted by Mask at 08/10/2009 @ 10:12pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    Try getting up off your brain for a change mAsKed Fool, its suffocating and the blood flow is minimal!

    Posted by BigPasture at 08/10/2009 @ 11:10pm

21. I want to take on these two pearls of our conservative bloggers who are really adamant on lowering the intellectual level of this blog.

    1)"When has the human race EVER hung together? What does `tribes' or `clans' mean to you? Why are there nations today? And states, provinces, continents, religions out the wazoo?" (Happy)

    2)"Hero is hardly the word of choice, abject Fool does come to mind especially if the "religion of peace" decides an example is to be made for infidel behavior!" (Rio)

    I will answer in inverse order.

    2) Would you refer to Jesus Christ as a fool for his voluntarily selected personal sacrifice? Was not Judaism at the time the 'religion of peace' per excellence? Although you may not be able to believe it, there are very extreme things people will do for their ideals. I commend the sacrifice of this woman that has permitted to elevate this issue to the level of notice and world debate it deserved.....and shame on you to qualify her as 'abject fool' . Do you really know what 'abject' means, why did you selected the word? Incredible.....

    1) In the middle age people were isolated because of geography and distinct cultures developed. That's were tribes, regions and nations developed. That does not mean however, that ever since diplomatic legations were appointed, people learned foreign languages, and adopted parallel and very similar Constitutions pointing to like ideas and moral values (the French Revolution and our Constitution). Mega religions such as Christianity and Islam, and humanism have laced our societies more than what your egotism can imagine. Today, nearly 100% of enlightened people believe that we are a common human race that will either float or sink as if it was one person....f.ex. the environment or a nuclear exchange.

    Posted by Frank42 at 08/10/2009 @ 11:23pm

22. "Iran and Saudi Arabia are not the only countries with a government-enforced dress code."

    actually,

    every country has a government-enforced dress code.

    Posted by frosty zoom at 08/11/2009 @ 12:08am

23. Looks to me, most Sudanese women, 77% of the more `modern' ones, do believe in "harsh Sharia law that has been in force in Sudan since l989".

    Posted by Happy at 08/10/2009 @ 4:04pm

    barefoot and pregnant, too!

    Posted by frosty zoom at 08/11/2009 @ 12:11am

24. Why should any good Liberal intervene in Sudanese affairs?

    Posted by Happy at 08/10/2009 @ 4:04pm Wait, do they have oil?

    Posted by MATTMAN at 08/10/2009 @ 4:23pm

    THE MAN!!!!

    hey brother,

    yeah, they got lots of oil.

    and the chinese buy it.

    and the chinese buy t-bills.

    so, nobody's touching sudan.

    Posted by frosty zoom at 08/11/2009 @ 12:13am

25. When has the human race EVER hung together? What does `tribes' or `clans' mean to you? Why are there nations today? And states, provinces, continents, religions out the wazoo?

    Posted by Happy at 08/10/2009 @ 6:27pm

    that is so passé.

    Posted by frosty zoom at 08/11/2009 @ 12:16am

26. Do you really know what 'abject' means, Posted by Frank42 at 08/10/2009 @ 11:23pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    Abject -In the vein of being; utterly hopeless, shamelessly servile; slavish, contemptible; despicable, miserable, humiliating, or wretched?

    She is definately a "fool" serving her god of "secular humanism" worshiping the creation "woman" or feminism rather than the creator God!

    Jesus Christ sacrifice was the propitiation for our sins which a just and righteous God, his father hated and could not look upon . His sacrifice being acceptable establish the new covenant by which he is our mediator. There is no resemblance here!

    Where and when was it ever claimed that Judism is "the religion of peace"?

    Do you actually think that any nation following Sharia law is concerned with what she does, or even the U.N. she foolishly worked for previously?

    Posted by BigPasture at 08/11/2009 @ 12:18am

27. And England allows Sahria nonsense to be practiced there...

    Posted by YourJomamma at 08/10/2009 @ 8:25pm

    Jewish Law Halachic Forms

    -- Halachic Living Will (Nebraska)

    http://www.jlaw.com/Forms/hlw_ne.html

    Posted by frosty zoom at 08/11/2009 @ 12:22am

28. "For that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered"

    ••

    don't amish women have to wear head thingies?

    ••

    anyhoo,

    best of luck to these courageous women.

    Posted by frosty zoom at 08/11/2009 @ 12:44am

29. i mean, 100 years ago, women couldn't vote.

    we think we're so advanced.

    Posted by frosty zoom at 08/11/2009 @ 12:45am

30. I hope Lubna Hussein has the skills of Scheherazade in dealing with the "czar sultan." Maybe she can talk her way out of this. Lets hope.

    Posted by Sorelish at 08/11/2009 @ 02:06am

31. Posted by Sorelish at 08/11/2009 @ 02:06am |

    I have my doubts about her ability to achieve justice in Sudan, but I applaud her brave defiance of totalitarian government behavior.

    Folks like Big P only wish they had the chutzpah to speak to power in this way instead of nationalist/religious fist-pumping and the spewing of digital vitriol.

    Posted by snowball777 at 08/11/2009 @ 05:50am

32. Posted by BigPasture at 08/10/2009 @ 11:10pm

    Oh, and he really hates it when I point it out.

    Posted by Mask at 08/11/2009 @ 07:49am

33. Great to see resident lunatic big posture keeping it classy by denigrating a woman for her self sacrifice in opposition to a real repressive government, all while raving against imaginary repression here by the obamanation socialist totalitarian (nah, too many syllables) demoncrat librul nazi storm troopers. Better go stockpile some more weapons big boy- i reckon the ATF still has you outgunned.

    Posted by entropy at 08/11/2009 @ 4:26pm

34. Posted by entropy at 08/11/2009 @ 4:26pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    Posted by snowball777 at 08/11/2009 @ 05:50am | ignore this person | warn this person

    Posted by Mask at 08/11/2009 @ 07:49am | ignore this person | warn this person

    You guys remind me of a song!

    Running on - running on empty Running on - running blind

    Posted by BigPasture at 08/11/2009 @ 10:10pm

35. Here an article illistrates a woman with more balls than most of the men here, and all the right wing dolts on here can blabber on about is what a fool SHE is...

    I believe neither of you 2 lil men, Happy, or Lil P have ever taken a stand on anything in your lives. You live your lives in fear. Enjoy that.

    Set aside all your fairy tale Jesus this, and God that rantings. I think the fact that this woman has more guts than either of you two lil boys is what really possess you to make such ignorant remarks. Thats all.

    I'll light a candle at mass for you pussies.

    Great article Katha

    Posted by Vvf1969 at 08/12/2009 @ 12:19am

36. Posted by Vvf1969 at 08/12/2009 @ 12:19am | ignore this person | warn this person

    Make that four;

    Running on - running on empty Running on - running blind

    Posted by BigPasture at 08/12/2009 @ 01:06am

37. Posted by Vvf1969 at 08/12/2009 @ 12:19am | ignore this person | warn this person

    Now, what was that address again?

    Posted by BigPasture at 08/12/2009 @ 01:07am

38. Running on - running on empty Running on - running blind Posted by BigPasture at 08/11/2009 @ 10:10pm |

    Figures you'd quote a known wife beater.

    Posted by snowball777 at 08/12/2009 @ 07:58am

39. Figures you'd quote a known wife beater.----Posted by snowball777 at 08/12/2009 @ 07:58am

    Actually, little evidence Browne abused Daryl Hannah.

    I just find it strange he's quoting somebody who supported Ralph Nader and is more liberal than most "Demoncrats".

    Posted by Mask at 08/12/2009 @ 08:22am

40. I live in OKC if you want to get a drink Lil P... I'll give you directions.. Im in S.Korea right now... Can you wait till the middle of Sept..??

    You'll have to put something on besides WonderWoman Underoos and that silly ol' Factor Tee platinum member shirt..

    Posted by Vvf1969 at 08/12/2009 @ 09:14am

41. I live in OKC if you want to get a drink Lil P... I'll give you directions.. Im in S.Korea right now... Can you wait till the middle of Sept..??

    Posted by Vvf1969 at 08/12/2009 @ 09:14am | ignore this person | warn this person

    I'm within 30 min. travel time or less to any point in Okc! Bring Benchrest too! With his one liners he sounds like a fun moderate liberal! Don't actually drink anything but RC on the rocks!

    Posted by BigPasture at 08/12/2009 @ 12:47pm

42. Happy and Lil P, you two morons are proof positive that Christians and Muslims deserve each other and the real consternation is from all of us innocent bystanders who'd like to enjoy life but can't because of conservatives dolts like you and the rulers of Sudan.

    Posted by DP in TC at 08/12/2009 @ 4:14pm

43. us innocent bystandersPosted by DP in TC at 08/12/2009 @ 4:14pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    Seriously doubt there is anything morally or spiritually "innocent" about your lfe or forms of enjoyment! You probably have yourself fooled though into believing it quite completely!

    Posted by BigPasture at 08/12/2009 @ 5:06pm

44. Abject -In the vein of being; utterly hopeless, shamelessly servile; slavish, contemptible; despicable, miserable, humiliating, or wretched?

    She is definately a "fool" serving her god of "secular humanism" worshiping the creation "woman" or feminism rather than the creator God! Rio

    You got problems....Can you articulate a serious argument?

    She is serving ideals of freedom and justice, and those are not really apart of God for the true believers.

    From Dictionary.com:

    "Fool": a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.

    ....No offense...

    Posted by Frank42 at 08/12/2009 @ 10:19pm

45. She is serving ideals of freedom and justice, and those are not really apart of God for the true believers. Posted by Frank42 at 08/12/2009 @ 10:19pm | ignore this person | warn this person

    Not sure what "God" you are speaking of? The one of the bible in the new testament covenant speaks of freedom only in the spiritual sense that Christ makes us "free indeed" and justice is reserved for God in final judgement of unbelievers.

    We are talking of a woman subjecting herself to the mercies of an Islamic nation who have used wholesale genocidal slaughter of their Christian and unbeliver southern citizens of Dafur under Sharia law! Do you know what the so called God of the koran in strict interputation has in store for her? It was made clear in this article what is required!

    Like I said; She is definately a "fool" serving her god of "secular humanism" worshiping the creation "woman" or feminism rather than the creator God! That is why the secular humanistic feminist are cheering for her meaningless sacrifice! If you think it will mean anything to "Islam" you are seriously delusional, you know lacking judgement or sense! (no offense)

    Posted by BigPasture at 08/12/2009 @ 10:56pm

46. What is "freedom in the spiritual sense"?? And how about justice...only reserved for the final judgment?...That is why you Reps are not really Christians!!

    Christ commands us to do justice paying just salaries and helping the orphan and widow (read it for today any disadvantaged or suffering person) NOW if we want to have some possibility of making it for ourselves in his 'final judgment'.

    And certainly he claims all along that we be free of all materialism ( read association or loving money, something that defines Reps) and free of vices to be ourselves, to be free of anything extraneous that possesses us and dehumanizes us. The maximum level of freedom is to be ourselves and to love.

    That is pretty real "here and today". Religion is not the "opium of people" talking about vague spiritualities as you are posing it. It applies not spiritually but in a concrete way in our world today.

    "Secular humanistic feminist" : how do you know if she is a feminist? What contradiction do you see between being a feminist and believing in God or even just being moral? How do you know if she is not a believer? Why do you think that God does not support true humanistic aspirations? In what kind of god do you believe that is such a monster to oppose true realization of human beings?

    She is moral and seeking freedom because she is being herself, she defends the nature of being a woman and defending women of her kind from such oppression. She is seeking justice and in a concrete way. She is denouncing such oppressive government not only with words but with concrete actions.

    In case you did not read it: From Dictionary.com:

    "Fool": a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.

    ....No offense...

    Posted by Frank42 at 08/13/2009 @ 10:14pm