Women's union in Yemen slams clerics for issuing 'defamatory decree'

Sana'a: A women's union in Yemen slammed a religious decree issued by a group of clerics earlier in July, 2008, banning female participation in public life.

The Yemeni Women Union, a non-governmental organisation supported by the government, said the decree reduces the value and importance of the great role of women in building the society.

Quoting verses from Quran and Hadiths (the prophet's saying), they refuted the decree and proved that women have all the right to political life.

In a strongly worded statement, the union accused the clerics of defaming women.