Thousands of Muslim fundamentalists have held an hours-long protest in front of the nation's parliament to decry proposals in a government report on gender ... more

BARDO, Tunisia (AP) — Thousands of Muslim fundamentalists protested Saturday in front of the nation's parliament to decry proposals in a government report on gender equality that they claim are contrary to Islam. Thousands of conservative Muslims marched from Tunisia's capital of Tunis to Bardo on Saturday, as part of a protest against a government report on gender equality.The report by the Commission of Individual Liberties and Equality proposes, among other things, the legalisation of homosexuality and making the sexes equal in inheritance matters.The commission was put in place a year ago by President Beji Caid Essebsi.The protest - organised by the National Coordination for the Defence of the Quran - remained largely calm and without incident, despite the high passions felt by Tunisia's religious right over the issues.It follows a similar demonstration earlier this month, when hundreds protested against proposed reforms of women's and LGBT rights Tunisia has long been seen as a pioneer for women's rights in the Arab world, but campaigners say the country is still torn between conservative and progressive camps In September, the government scrapped a law that prohibited Tunisian Muslim women from marrying non-Muslim men, a significant step in loosening the tight controls over women's life choices.The government is also visibly taking steps to address the country's epidemic of gender-based violence , passing a landmark law in July which meant that rapists could no longer escape punishment by marrying their victims.Similar laws were also passed in Lebanon , Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. People demonstrate with a banner reading ‘Koran text before any other text’ (AP Photo/Hassene Dridi)

The report, among other things, calls for legalising homosexuality and making the sexes equal in regards to inheritance. Security was heavy during the protest, which remained calm despite the anger that the report has triggered. The non-governmental National Coordination for the Defense of the Qur'an, the Constitution and Equitable Development organized the demonstration against the report issued by the Individual Freedoms and Equality Committee (COLIBE). The commission was put in place a year ago by President Beji Caid Essebsi, who is expected to speak about it on Monday, Women's Day in Tunisia.
Thousands of people protest in Tunis against a government report on gender equality that proposes, among other things, to legalize homosexuality and to make the sexes equal in inheritance matters.