Franklin Graham Decries Feminists' Silence on Pakistani Law Allowing Men to Beat Women

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Thursday, June 02, 2016

Leading evangelist Franklin Graham speaks at a Decision American prayer rally held in Columbia, South Carolina on Feb. 9, 2016. | (Photo: Facebook / Franklin Graham)

The Rev. Franklin Graham has denounced feminists in America for failing to speak out against a proposed Pakistani law that would give men the right to beat their wives.

In response to the proposed legislation, Graham wrote Tuesday on Facebook that he believes American feminists are too silent on matters like the Islamic Republic's possible legalization of abuse and violence against women.

"Where are the Gloria Steinems, the Bella Abzugs, or even the Hillary Clintons, that call themselves champions for women's rights when it comes to the teachings of Islam?" wrote Graham.

"The leader of the powerful Council for Islamic Ideology in Pakistan just this week said a husband should be allowed to 'lightly beat' his wife. Oh really?" Graham posited. "According to them, that is permissible if she defies his commands and refuses to dress up per his desires, does not wear a hijab, interacts with strangers, speaks too loudly, or declines other more personal things. And get this — their proposal says using only a 'small stick' is necessary to instill fear."

Women from the Christian community mourn for their relatives, who were killed by a suicide attack on a church, during their funeral in Lahore, March 17, 2015. Suicide bombings outside two churches in Lahore killed 14 people and wounded nearly 80 others during services on Sunday in attacks claimed by a faction of the Pakistani Taliban. | (Photo: Reuters/Mohsin Raza)

Graham went on to argue that the proposed legislation shows that women are treated better in Christianity than in Islam.

"Women of the world, Islam wants to put you behind a veil of horror. With true Christianity, women are treated with dignity and respect," continued Graham.

"Jesus Christ elevated women, and if you put your faith and trust in Him, He will never let you down."

Last month, Pakistan's Council of Islamic Ideology chairman Muhammad Kahn Sherani championed a 75-page proposal allowing for husbands to "lightly" beat their wives.

"Sheerani suggests a light beating is acceptable should the need arise to punish a woman. The proposal allegedly bans forceful beating, saying only a small stick is necessary to instill fear," reported CNN.

"The Council of Islamic Ideology is a powerful constitutional body that advises the Pakistani legislature whether laws are in line with the teachings of Islam."

CNN noted that the beatings are justified if "a woman does not wear a hijab, if she interacts with strangers, speaks too loudly or gives others cash without her husband's permission."

"It also suggests bans on various activities, including women fighting in wars. But it allows women to participate in politics and become judges, and proposes that the need for a guardian for women of age is not required," continued CNN.

"The proposal also says that women should not be permitted to receive non-relatives or foreign officials, and they should not use birth control pills without asking their husbands."

Posted Tuesday, Graham's accusation against American feminism regarding Islam has gotten as of Thursday morning about 43,000 likes and over 24,000 shares.