A quip in this country about “women drivers” will get sideways looks at a minimum and a punch on the arm in some circles. In our politically-correct society, such comments are as frowned upon as “dumb blonde” jokes at a Swedish family reunion.
That’s why it seems perfectly medieval in this day and age to hear about delivering “lashes” as punishment for a crime, particularly when the crime is driving an automobile. And it is only a crime because a woman was doing it. Women drivers are banned in Saudi Arabia, unless permission is granted in advance by the government.
According to activists in Saudi Arabia, Shaima Ghassaniya was found guilty of driving without permission. In the past, Saudi women have been detained for such activities but have not been formally punished. Ghassaniya will reportedly receive 10 lashes for defying the kingdom’s ban on women driving.
Driving is not technically prohibited by law, but edicts issued by the conservative religious group prohibit it.
Ironically, it was two days before the sentencing that Saudi King Abdullah announced that women would have the right to vote in the country’s 2015 elections. Not only that, they will be eligible to run for office as well.
They’ll just have to walk to the polls.
