Ebadi protests against Iran’s polygamy bill

Iran’s Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi slammed a Govt bill that would ease polygamy laws for Iranian men, saying it would bring “moral corruption” to society.

Iran’s Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi on Monday slammed a government bill that would ease polygamy laws for Iranian men, saying it would bring “moral corruption” to society.

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The “Family Protection Bill” — due to be discussed soon in parliament — scraps the need for the consent of the first wife if her husband wants to take another spouse. “This law will bring decadence and moral corruption to society,” Ebadi warned in the opening speech of an indoor protest meeting organised by her Defenders of Human Rights Centre.

The bill requires men to provide a judicial permit for a new marriage confirming they can provide financially for the new wife and that both wives will be treated equally.

But Ebadi said that these conditions were not enough, describing the bill a “tyranny” not only against women but also against men. The law implies that “if you have become rich overnight, no matter how, you can legalise your desires,” she said. “Isn’t it an insult to men and wouldn’t it shake the foundation of family?” she asked.

Ebadi’s group of rights lawyers called on parliament speaker Ali Larijani to return the bill to the government for correction.