Earlier this week, Tunisia celebrated its National Women’s Day.
On the occasion of National Women’s Day, Tunisian President Béji Caid Essebsi called from Carthage Palace for equal inheritance for women.
Caid Essebsi also urged the Premier Youssef Chahed and Justice minister to repeal article Number 73, a 1973 decree which prohibits Tunisian women from marrying non-Muslim men.
The Grand Mufti of Tunisia is the highest religious authority in the country. Although he’s welcomed the president’s initiative, many Imams and Muslim preachers have condemned the decision.
Many scholars from the Zitouna University of Islamic studies as well as former Muftis have rejected the president’s call.
Since the adoption of the personal status code 6 decades ago, Tunisia has been regarded as a pioneer for women’s rights in the Arab world.
The President’s progressiveness has been celebrated by many Tunisians. However, the voice of dissent to the new project law is escalating in the North African state
