Afghan laws on women a worry: Australia

The Australian government is "extremely concerned" about new Afghan laws that human rights groups believe make it legal for a man to rape his wife.

The laws have drawn international condemnation, including a sharp rebuke from United
States President Barack Obama, prompting Afghan President Hamid Karzai to promise a
review.
Signed into law by Mr Karzai last month, human rights groups say the laws make it
illegal for a woman from Afghanistan's Shia Muslim minority to refuse sex with her
husband or to leave home without his permission.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith expressed concern that the laws could severely
undermine the rights of women.
"The Australian government is extremely concerned about the possible introduction of
a law in Afghanistan concerning family law for the Shia minority, which if
introduced, would severely undermine the rights of Shia women," said a spokeswoman
for the minister.
"It is very important that the Afghan government ensures its laws comply with
internationally accepted human rights standards."
The Australian government welcomed Mr Karzai's decision to review the draft laws,
indicating it would "carefully monitor" the situation.
The opposition raised concerns the Afghan laws could undermine support for
international efforts fighting the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan.
Australia has 1,100 troops in southern Afghanistan and there are expectations that
it will be asked to boost its commitment as part of international efforts to quell
growing violence.
"The danger of such laws is that it will undermine the public sympathy and support
for the plight of the Afghan people," opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Julie
Bishop told AAP.
"That could translate into a loss of political support."
Ms Bishop says the laws could contravene fundamental human rights for women.
"Any law that appears to take away women's rights within marriage, as indicated
here, is offensive," she said.
The Australian Greens called on Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to follow the lead of Mr
Obama in condemning the laws.
Greens spokeswoman on the status of women Sarah Hanson-Young said Australia had to
speak up when countries were legislating to sanction the abuse of women.
"This particular rule of law is appalling and is simply unacceptable," she told AAP.
"We need the prime minister to come out and say it is appalling. We know Barack
Obama has raised concerns about it and Australia should follow suit."