Indecent, say MPs
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 30: The Parliamentary Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee rejected on Sunday an amendment to the Penal Code, proposed by Islamist MPs, prohibiting women from wearing beach-wear deemed inappropriate, nudity or behaving immodestly.
Rapporteur, MP Dr Maasouma Al-Mubarak, said that the committee unanimously voted against the bill as it can violate certain articles of the Constitution. She added that the articles of Penal Code are already satisfactory in that regard.
On Nov 29, Members of the Development and Reform Bloc, MPs Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei, Falah Al-Sawwagh, Jamaan Al-Harbash and Faisal Al-Muslim condemned what they say is a noticeable increase in indecent behavior perpetrated by women along the coast of Kuwait.
The proposed amendment seeked to prohibit women beach-goers, whether on the main shore or on territorial islands and on beach areas assigned for women, from wearing "inappropriate" swimsuits, nudity, revealing the chest area and immodest behavior. Violation of the law is punishable by either imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding KD 1,000 or both.
Meanwhile, MP Marzouk Al-Ghanim condemned reports by Al-Watan newspaper that his family's company is involved in illegal tendering with the Ministry of Electricity and Water. The tender pertains to the supply and installation of a conversion plant for major transport networks at Al-Zour northern plant.
Al-Ghanim denied the reports and requested the Minister of Electricity and Water, Dr Bader Al-Shuraian to clarify on the issue. "What has been mentioned in the paper not only carries serious implications regarding public funds and the conduct of members of parliament, but also raises doubts on the commitment of the Ministry of Interior to transparency, rules and procedures," he said.
© Arab Times 2011
