[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 27, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H6686-H6691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ENCOURAGING TRANSITIONAL NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF IRAQ TO ADOPT A
CONSTITUTION GRANTING WOMEN EQUAL RIGHTS
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree
to the resolution (H. Res. 383) encouraging the Transitional National
Assembly of Iraq to adopt a constitution that grants women equal rights
under the law and to work to protect such rights.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 383
Whereas the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq systematically
violated the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the
Iraqi people;
Whereas on April 9, 2003, United States and coalition
forces brought an end to the regime of Saddam Hussein;
Whereas on June 28, 2004, an Iraqi interim government was
sworn in after sovereignty was restored;
Whereas in Iraq's January 2005 parliamentary elections,
more than 2,000 women ran for office and currently 31 percent
of the seats in Iraq's National Assembly are occupied by
women;
Whereas women lead the Iraqi ministries of Displacement and
Migration, Telecommunications, Municipalities and Public
Works, Environment, Science and Technology, and Women's
Affairs;
Whereas United States Government-sponsored programs are
helping Iraqi women develop in multiple areas from literacy,
computer and vocational training, to human rights education
and election training;
Whereas through grants funded by the United States
Government's Iraqi Women's Democracy Initiative,
nongovernmental organizations are providing training in
political leadership, communications, coalition-building
skills, voter education, constitution drafting, legal reform,
and the legislative process;
Whereas a 275-member Transitional National Assembly, which
is charged with the responsibility of drafting a new
constitution, was elected to serve as Iraq's national
legislature for a transition period.
Whereas Article 12 of Iraq's Transitional Administrative
Law states that ``[a]ll Iraqis [are] equal in their rights
without regard to gender . . . and they are equal before the
law'';
Whereas Article 12 of the Transitional Administrative Law
further states that ``[d]iscrimination against an Iraqi
citizen on the basis of his gender . . . is prohibited'';
Whereas on May 10, 2005, Iraq's National Assembly appointed
a 55-member committee, composed of Assembly members, to begin
drafting a permanent constitution for Iraq;
Whereas in visits with legislators and officials of the
Government of the United States, Iraqi women have raised
perceived limitations on their rights in a current draft of
the Iraqi constitution;
Whereas the central principles of a true democracy,
``liberty and justice for all'', ``equal justice under law'',
and ``government of the people, by the people and for the
people'' apply equally to women;
Whereas, in the words of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day
O'Connor: ``[s]ociety as a whole benefits immeasurably from a
climate in which all persons, regardless of race or gender,
may have the opportunity to earn respect, responsibility,
advancement and remuneration based on ability'';
Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes the
commitment and dedication of the United States to ensure that
the full rights of women are granted in the Iraqi
constitution;
Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes the need to
affirm the spirit and free the energies of women in Iraq who
have spent countless hours, years, and lifetimes working for
the basic human right of equal constitutional protection; and
Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes the risks
Iraqi women have faced in working for the future of their
country and admire their courageous commitment to democracy:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) commends United States and coalition forces in
liberating the Iraqi people from the repressive regime of
Saddam Hussein and their ongoing efforts in support of the
freedom and stability of Iraq;
(2) recognizes the progress achieved by the Iraqi people
toward the establishment of a representative democratic
government;
(3) recognizes the importance of ensuring women in Iraq
have equal rights under the law and in society;
(4) recognizes the commitment and dedication of the
Administration to ensuring the full rights of women are
granted in the Iraqi constitution;
(5) strongly encourages Iraq's Transitional National
Assembly to adopt a constitution that grants women equal
rights under the law and to work to protect such rights; and
(6) pledges to support the efforts of Iraqi women to fully
participate in a democratic Iraq.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Lantos) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).
{time} 1315
General Leave
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend
their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this important resolution.
It supports the full participation of Iraqi women in the political, in
the economic, and in the social life of a free Iraq on the path to
democratic governance.
Today Iraq stands in stark contrast to Iraq under Saddam Hussein.
While Saddam Hussein's brutal regime indiscriminately slaughtered
Iraqis, the women were among the most vulnerable. The notorious
Fedayeen beheaded women in public, dumping their severed heads at their
families' footsteps. The regime used widespread rape to extract
confessions from the detainees. Saddam Hussein's legacy of terror knew
no boundaries.
In assessing the progress achieved and the U.S. contributions to the
empowerment of Iraqi women, I look to leaders such as Dr. Khuzai, who
served as a member of the Iraqi Governing Council and the National
Council on Women. After being prisoners in their own country for 35
years, Dr. Khuzai said, ``For the Iraqi women, the morale is so high
that you can't even understand it unless you go and see. We will be
grateful forever.''
I was fortunate, Mr. Speaker, to have the opportunity to visit Iraq
as part of an historic all-female congressional delegation. We met with
women from all sectors and all educational backgrounds, and the message
we heard from all of these women was very clear, that they want a say,
they want a role, they want to participate, and they want us to help
them get there.
To achieve this end, the U.S. is helping Iraqi women reintegrate
themselves into Iraqi society and to the outside world. The
administration embarked on the Iraqi Women's Democracy Initiative to
train Iraqi women in the skills and practices of democratic public
life. It also established the U.S. Iraqi Women's Network, helping to
mobilize the private sector in the United States and to link important
resources here to critical needs on the ground.
The administration continues to provide assistance and sponsors
programs that help Iraqi women develop in multiple areas, from literacy
programs and vocational training to human rights education and election
training.
[[Page H6687]]
Recently we saw the fruits of our efforts as countless Iraqi women
went to the polls to have their voices heard.
The resolution that we are considering here today, Mr. Speaker,
highlights the many advances of the status of women in Iraq since
Saddam's deposition, and particularly the fact that women today lead
the Iraqi Ministries of Displacement and Migration, Telecommunications,
Municipalities and Public Works, Environment, Science and Technology,
and Women's Affairs.
However, as with every incipient democracy, particularly in a country
that does not have a history of democratic governance to pull from or a
regional basis of cooperation or comparison, much more needs to be
done. It is, therefore, important for the United States Congress to
express support for the Iraqi constitutional process and share the
wisdom of our own experience by underscoring the importance of securing
equal rights for women in Iraq, in their bill of rights, and the
overall constitutional framework.
This resolution does just that, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my
colleagues, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger) for introducing
this important measure, and all of our other colleagues who have worked
on this, and I highlight the assistance of the gentleman from Illinois
(Chairman Hyde), the gentleman from California (Ranking Member Lantos),
and the leadership in bringing it to the floor today.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution,
and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I first would like to congratulate and commend my good
friend, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), our distinguished
colleague, for introducing this important resolution. I also want to
commend the chairman of our Subcommittee on the Middle East, the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), my good friend, for
assisting in this very important debate on the Republican side.
Mr. Speaker, we have all read with dismay reports of Iraqi
constitutional drafts that diminish and derogate women's rights to the
dictates of clerics and religious law. Our country and the other
democratic countries in the coalition that continue to have their men
and women fighting for freedom in Iraq cannot now remain silent as some
seek to oppose equal rights for women in Iraq.
While the Iraqi people must decide the proper role of religion in
their society, we have been disturbed to hear reports that some are
proposing that Iraqi law would be governed by the Islamic religious
code. A country, Mr. Speaker, can be religious, yet reflect
internationally accepted norms.
When the new Afghan Constitution was adopted, although it is far from
perfect from a Western perspective, it does prohibit discrimination
against any citizen of Afghanistan, including, of course, women. The
Afghan Constitution provides that women and men have equal rights
before the law. The Afghan Constitution also endorses Afghanistan's
international obligations, which protect women's rights under uniform
international standards, all this, Mr. Speaker, in a country that is
dramatically more conservative than Iraq.
Now, fortunately, drafts of constitutions are not final text, and I
have every faith that the Iraqi people will allow good sense to prevail
on this issue before the final text is submitted 2 weeks from now.
Similar issues arose about the role of religion during the drafting
of the Transitional Administrative Law in Iraq last year. There was,
for example, considerable concern about the prospect that Islamic law
would be enshrined as the primary source of Iraqi legislation.
Nevertheless, cooler heads prevailed, and the Transitional
Administrative Law which emerged was balanced and liberal in its
nature.
In fact, as the resolution offered by our colleague, the gentlewoman
from Texas (Ms. Granger), points out, the Transitional Administrative
Law contains an article ensuring Iraqis' equal rights, prohibiting
discrimination, without regard to gender. I have faith that Iraq's
Founding Fathers and Founding Mothers next month will affirm that
wisdom from the Transitional Administrative Law.
But I think it is important, Mr. Speaker, that our House of
Representatives, speaking on behalf of the American people, affirm that
wisdom as well. It is crucial that all Iraqis know that our commitment
to their freedom and equality is unwavering and unqualified by
religion, race, and gender.
That is why I support, Mr. Speaker, this resolution very strongly,
and I urge all of my colleagues to do likewise.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the gentlewoman
from Texas (Ms. Granger), the author of this resolution.
Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I have often had the opportunity to speak
on this floor on important issues, but none more important than this,
because today I am honored to sponsor this resolution in support of the
rights of all Iraqis.
It has been said that a nation reveals its character by the values it
upholds. In planting the seed of democracy in the deserts of the Middle
East, the United States and our allies hope for a rich harvest of
freedom for the people of Iraq. Having removed the dictator, the allies
have moved to put Iraqis in control of Iraq. Now, as they draft and
ratify their Constitution, we will indeed see the character of a new
Iraqi nation revealed through the principles it chooses to uphold.
That is why I urge the Iraqi Transitional National Assembly to create
a government worthy of its people, a government that represents every
Iraqi from every corner of Iraq, be they Sunni or Shia, rich or poor,
male or female.
Human rights are not a privilege granted by the few, they are a
liberty entitled to all, and human rights, by definition, include the
rights of all humans, those in the dawn of life, the dusk of life, or
the shadows of life.
Mr. Speaker, the women of Iraq have waited long enough. Having lived
in the shadows of Saddam's Iraq, they are eager for the sunlight of a
new nation and a new way of life. I have met these women, and I have
felt their courage. I have spoken to them, and, more important, I have
listened to them. I have heard more than their words, I have heard
their dreams; dreams of a peaceful nation where they can raise their
children and make decisions on their own and take part in society.
Mr. Speaker, a free nation must be based on human rights. Just as our
Founding Fathers built a new Republic based on life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness, so, too, the Iraqi nation must choose to uphold
the values of human rights for all. Indeed, most Iraqis seem to want
this.
In the run-up to the historic January 30 election, Iraqis insisted
that every third name on the ballot had to be that of a woman. The
result? Upon election, 31 percent of the Transitional National
Assembly's membership was female, nearly double the membership of the
U.S. Congress.
By any definition, this would be quite an achievement. But to
understand where Iraq's women are, consider where they have been. To
know the horrors of Saddam, look at how Saddam treated the most
vulnerable. In Saddam's Iraq, women were abused and assaulted, beaten
and battered, raped and relegated to second-class citizens. In Saddam's
Iraq, women could not own property; they were property.
Truly, Saddam Hussein was a criminal crying out for international
intervention. And these are people, the Iraqi women, crying out for
freedom.
History will record that Saddam got what he deserved. The question
is, will Iraqi women get what they deserve, what they have earned, what
they demand?
When I met with 20 of these women just weeks before the January
election, they explained that because they were women, they were
virtual targets of the people trying to stop the elections, because
they were running for office. More than half had had members of their
families kidnapped or assassinated. Almost all had to have bodyguards.
Many had been in exile for years because of their beliefs, their
education, and their choice to have a career. Yet they persevered.
They persevered because they knew their election was proof that
freedom works, and they persevered because they knew that the more
women elected, the less the chance of a Saddam-
[[Page H6688]]
style policy toward women would ever again come to Iraq.
{time} 1330
Proudly, defiantly, and amazingly, these women had the courage of
their convictions and changed history. Some of the very women we met
with before the election who were so fearful of the outcome and
proposed violence led their village walking miles to cast their votes.
Then weeks after that vote, I led another delegation to join 150
Iraqi women who were leaders in their communities and their sects who
came to a conference to hear us talk about the principles and practices
of democracy.
Women all over Iraq were given the opportunity to apply to be a part
of that conference. Do the women of Iraq want democracy? Well, 1,200 of
them signed applications hoping to be chosen for this conference. That
is right: 1,200 Iraqi women put their names in a document stating who
they were and where they lived, that they wanted to learn about
democracy from the United States of America.
But while the election of so many Iraqi women last January gives us
great hope, recent reports about the drafting of the constitution give
us great concerns. With so many reports and rumors, perhaps it is best
to take inventory of what we know, as well as what we fear.
We know that Islam allows for rights for women, but we fear the
interpretation of religious law might unfairly discriminate against
women. We know that a policy of equal rights for women in the
constitution would safeguard Iraqi women today and for generations to
come, but we fear that extremist elements might prevent the passage of
such a constitutional protection.
And we note that the surest way to limit the future and the progress
of Iraq is to limit the rights and protections of women. But we fear
that women may not be allowed even basic rights on matters of marriage,
divorce, economic opportunity, or political involvement.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Iraq deserve better and the women of Iraq
demand more. Let me be blunt. American troops have come so far,
sacrificed so much, persevered so long to see the tyranny of an
unlawful dictator replaced by the tyranny of legal oppression for
women. A free Iraq must be free for all Iraqis.
A democracy in the Middle East must be more than a democracy in name
only; it must live out its principles. Freedom is not something that
can be limited or divided or restricted. It applies to anyone and
everyone anywhere and everywhere.
So I put forward this resolution and urge my colleagues not to just
stand with me but to stand with the women of Iraq, stand with women
everywhere who desire the freedom that we fought for and continue to
fight for in Iraq.
Those brave women are writing bold new chapters in the story of
freedom. In doing so, they are part of an ever-growing, ever-evolving
story.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
California (Mrs. Tauscher), my good friend and distinguished colleague,
coauthor of this resolution.
Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my deep concern over the
rights of women in Iraq and urge adoption of this resolution. I am very
pleased to join my colleagues, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger)
and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) who are my cochairs in
the Iraqi Women's Caucus.
I know they share my unwavering commitment to ensuring the success of
our efforts to stabilize Iraq. As we speak, the Iraqi Constitution is
being drafted, and preliminary drafts are being circulated around
Baghdad and in the United States.
This is the real test of our efforts to bring democracy and stability
to Iraq. My colleagues and I have spent countless hours in Iraq, in
Jordan prior to the January 30 election, meeting with women candidates,
and here in Washington meeting with some of the winners of Iraqi women
whose rights are now apparently under attack from extremists in their
own country.
The attempts by fundamentalists to insert Sharia, a restrictive form
of Islamic law, into the constitution, represents an aggressive and
intolerable assault on women's rights. The current transitional
administrative law states that Islam is to be considered a source of
legislation, but not the only source, and that discrimination against
an Iraqi citizen of gender is prohibited.
But current drafts of the new constitution provide legal rights for
women as long as they do not violate Islamic law. Many Iraqi women
fear, as we do, that enshrining Sharia would sharply curb women's
rights in matters such as divorce, family inheritance, travel,
professional opportunities, and other areas.
One draft of the constitution also lifted the requirement that at
least 25 percent of the Iraqi parliament be women. We cannot allow
these drafts to be the final word on August 15. We cannot bring liberty
and freedom to only half of Iraq's population, the men.
We owe to it the American men and women in uniform who have lost
their lives and to the people of Iraq that we do all we can to protect
women's rights in that country.
Today we have an opportunity to demonstrate that Americans will stand
strong in support of Iraqi women and their efforts to fully participate
in their new democracy. I urge my colleagues to support this
resolution.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she might consume to
the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).
Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the
time and for his extraordinary leadership on human rights for people
around the world.
And I know that he joins his voice, his strength, his wisdom in
working with the Iraqi Women's Caucus to do absolutely everything to
protect the women in Iraq.
Today's USA news report has an article that states that the
government may designate Islam Sharia as a main source of legislation
in the country according to a draft. This is incredibly troubling that
the rights of women may be turned back. It would be a terrible step for
the women if their rights are actually restricted under this new
constitution.
This resolution which we are sending to the government is
tremendously important, and I would like to be associated with the
comments on both sides of the aisle.
Just last week, we met with women leaders from Iraq. Two of them were
official members of the government, and they were major leaders in
their communities. They expressed their tremendous concern, and they
appealed to us to keep their names confidential, showing the fear that
they feel for retaliation.
I have corresponded with several Iraqi women. One was murdered,
another one had a tremendous threat on her life, and they are working
with incredible strength for their country and for the rights of their
families.
I would say that any country that protects their women is a stronger
country, and Iraq will be a stronger country if women are able to
preserve their position. One of the women we met with was a
professional, and she had been denied her job.
Under Sharia, women will lose many of the rights that they already
have. As one of them said to me, and I quote: ``It is horrible. We are
concerned. You must do something. The time is now.''
August 15 they will be coming forward with the final draft. They will
be voting in October, and we must move forward. Just yesterday, along
with 40 of my colleagues, I sent a letter to President Bush urging him
and the State Department to do everything they possibly can to
encourage the drafters of the constitution to include specific rights
for women, thereby ensuring their equality and their full participation
in the new Iraq country.
Under the former regime, they were educated, participated in the
workforce, and played a role in the government. And since the end of
the Saddam Hussein dictatorship, women have served and are serving in
the national assembly as cabinet members and in local governments
across their country.
I have had the opportunity twice to visit Iraq, to visit our
soldiers, to meet with officials, and always to meet with women
leaders. They are concerned. They are working hard, and with like-
minded men are trying to preserve their role.
If they lose their position in the constitution, it will be
incredibly difficult to reverse that. So it is critically important,
and it would be a tragic irony
[[Page H6689]]
if women now began to lose ground. There might be full participation
and equal treatment under the law for women in Iraq, and I know that my
colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I hope they will join the
Women's Iraqi Caucus in expressing our strong support and solidarity
with the women of Iraq as they fight for the rights to which they are
entitled.
I would just like to close that it would be really a tragedy beyond
words if women lose their standing in the constitution and lose the
firm grounded protection of a constitution. This is critically
important. I urge all of my colleagues to join us in supporting this
important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I include the following for the Record:
[From USA Today staff and wire reports.]
One Draft of Iraq's Constitution Makes Islam Main Source
Baghdad.--Framers of Iraq's new constitution are
considering designating Islam as the main source of
legislation in the country, according to a draft published
Tuesday in the government newspaper.
The draft, which appeared in the Baghdad newspaper Al-
Sabah, further states that no law shall be approved that
contradicts ``the rules of Islam,'' raising worries that the
new government will restrict the role of women in society.
The constitution could change significantly, however,
before the parliament votes on it by Aug. 15.
``There are several drafts of the constitution out there,''
U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said in a statement Tuesday.
``I have seen one draft of the constitution in one of the
newspapers today. There are other drafts, as well. Now is the
time to produce a single draft by the commission,'' he said.
The draft published Tuesday seems to reflect the views of
conservative members of the constitution committee.
``Islam is the official religion of the state and is the
main source of legislation,'' the draft reads. ``No law that
contradicts with its rules can be promulgated.''
The document also grants the Shiite Arab religious
leadership in the holy city of Najaf ``independence for its
guiding role'' in recognition of its ``high national and
religious symbolism.''
In Washington, 41 members of the House of Representatives
wrote a letter to President Bush urging him to support
provisions in the constitution that would protect women's
rights. ``It would be a terrible step backward for the women
of Iraq if their rights are actually restricted under the new
constitution,'' said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., in a press
release.
The letter points out that the constitution would replace
the transitional administrative law, which provides for equal
treatment under the law and set a requirement that 25% of the
seats in the National Assembly go to women.
During the U.S.-run occupation, which ended June 28, 2004,
key Shiite and some Sunni politicians sought to have Islam
designated as the main source of legislation in the interim
constitution, which went into effect in March 2004.
However, U.S. Administrator Paul Bremer blocked the move.
He said that Islam would be considered ``a source''--but not
the only one. At the time, prominent Shiite politicians
agreed to forgo a public battle with Bremer and raise the
issue again during the drafting of the permanent
constitution.
The drafting committee met Tuesday to discuss federalism,
another contentious issue, according to Sunni Arab member
Mohammed Abed-Rabbou.
He described the discussion as ``heated'' and said no
agreement was reached.
Parliament speaker Hajim al-Hassani urged Iraqi media to
refrain from publishing supposed texts unless they were
released by the constitutional committee.
The Sunnis on the committee agreed only Monday to resume
work on the committee after they walked out to protest the
assassination of two of their colleagues this month.
____
Congress of the United States,
Washington, DC, July 25, 2005.
Hon. George W. Bush,
President,
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. President: We are writing to express our concerns
with the Iraqi constitution currently being drafted by
members of a constitutional drafting committee, and our
support for provisions that we hope will be included to
guarantee the rights of lraqi women.
As you know, the National Assembly is scheduled to approve
a draft constitution by August 15, 2005, with a national vote
by October 15, 2005. This constitution will replace the
Transitional Administrative Law (TAL) which provides for
equality of all Iraqis regardless of gender and sets the goal
of providing Iraqi women with 25% of the seats in the
transitional assembly. We strongly believe that Iraqi women
must have every opportunity to participate in all levels of
government so that they can ensure that any laws passed by
the Iraqi government will not take away their rights or
relegate them to second-class status.
It is our understanding that the current draft of the
constitution contains provisions, such as equal rights for
women unless those rights contradict Shari'a law, that would
weaken language contained in the TAL. Additionally, we
understand that the draft would phase out the 25% requirement
of parliamentary seats that must be held by women. Iraqi
women are playing a critical role in the future of Iraq after
the end of Saddam Hussein's tyranny. They should not be
denied their rightful place in society by those who would
seek to have the rights of women stripped away.
Therefore, we respectfully request that you do all that you
can to demonstrate the United States' support for equality
for all Iraqis regardless of gender, and help the Iraqi
people as they continue to establish a new society and
government that recognizes the rights of all Iraqi citizens.
Iraqi women admirably have served in all levels of government
including in the National Assembly and as Cabinet Ministers
as well as the private sector. We must continue to show our
strong support for Iraqi women as they fight for equality.
Thank you for your attention in this matter. We look
forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Carolyn B. Maloney, Darlene Hooley, Lynn C. Woolsey, Jose
E. Serrano, Rosa L. DeLauro, Bernard Sanders, Tammy
Baldwin, Betty McCollum, Jim McDermott, Raul M.
Grijalva, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Lois Capps, Frank
Pallone, Jr., Shelley Berkley, Jerrold Nadler, Nita
Lowey, Nydia M. Velazquez, Janice Schakowsky, Ellen O.
Tauscher, Thomas H. Allen, Sam Farr, Mike Honda,
Barbara Lee, Jim McGovern, Cynthia McKinney, Anna G.
Eshoo, Zoe Lofgren, Julia Carson, Carolyn McCarthy,
Nancy L. Johnson, Corrine Brown, Sheila Jackson Lee,
Maxine Waters, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Diane E.
Watson, Susan A. Davis, Steve Rothman, Jane Harman,
Earl Blumenauer, Anthony D. Weiner.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman
from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne), who has been a true leader on Iraq issues,
on democratic governance, on women's issues in Iraq.
Mr. OSBORNE. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 383 encourages the transitional
assembly of Iraq to adopt a constitution that grants women equal
rights. It was authored by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger) and
also the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher) and myself, who
are cochairs of the Iraqi Women's Caucus.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say just a word about the Iraqi Women's
Caucus. This was formed a couple of years ago by former Representative
Jennifer Dunn and myself, with the belief that Iraqi women are critical
to holding the social fabric of Iraq together and bringing Sunnis and
Kurds and Shias together.
And as we have talked to them, we found that this is the case, that
this is true. Because many of them are married. Sunnis are married to
Shias and they have other sects within their families. And they
consistently tell us that the divisions are not what people think in
the United States.
But we think that women are the key and probably as important as guns
and bullets and tanks and helicopters to achieving a peaceful
resolution in Iraq. Some of us visited Jordan in March. And we met with
150 Iraqi women near the Dead Sea. These women drove from many points
within Iraq. Two groups were shot at on the way, which shows you the
resolution that they had, because they continued on their journey.
We visited with many women's groups from Iraq, in the United States
and Iraq, as we have traveled. I visited with prime minister al-Jaafari
in Iraq in March. And I asked him this question: I said, will you give
Iraqi women a prominent role in the government? And the answer that he
gave me was, yes, that he would do that, that he would ensure that.
So as many people are aware, one-third of the 275 seats in the
transitional national assembly have been given to women, which is a
very good thing. But on May 10 of this year, 55 members of the national
assembly were chosen to draft a permanent constitution for Iraq by
August 15.
Of that 55, approximately 10 or 11 were women, which again does not
sound too bad. But as we met with Iraqi women last week, they said the
women that were chosen were among the most conservative, among the most
fundamentalist group within the national assembly, and therefore they
were really concerned about what was happening in regard to Sharia.
And so as everyone knows, Sharia is Islamic law, and this was what
was written in a draft of the constitution
[[Page H6690]]
that was given to us by these women. And in the eighth article this is
what it says: ``The government vouches for women's duties toward family
and their work in the society, equalizing her to men in all political,
educational, social and economic fields.'' So far so good.
All sounds good. But then there is this last phrase, without
infracting Islam, which means that whatever rights a women has cannot
be in contradiction to Islamic law. This was the thing that concerned
these women so much.
As was mentioned earlier, one of those women who came here was a
judge, who had been installed on the court, but was removed from her
judgeship because of Sharia.
{time} 1345
There is great concern at this point. So this resolution urges Iraqi
leaders to accord Iraqi women equal rights under the Constitution.
Let me just close, Mr. Speaker, by saying this: Iraqi women as we
meet with them are really concerned about security. We do not want to
minimize that. We do not want to pretend that Iraq is a real safe
place. They are really concerned about the infrastructure, and there
are some problems in the infrastructure. But when asked if they would
prefer life under Saddam or if they would prefer that the United States
pull out, they will almost unanimously say things like this: Things are
better now. We see help for the future. We have a hope. We see a
brighter future. Please do not leave now. Thank you for removing
Saddam.
So even though things are difficult, there is hope. And as long as
you have hope, we think that there is a brighter future. And I think
that women are truly a major part of whatever resolution we may receive
in Iraq that would be of an optimistic nature.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, may I just say the enormous sacrifices paid by the
American people to liberate Iraq both in blood and in treasure were not
made to create a society that discriminates against women. Our voice is
clear and united. We want the women of Iraq to have equal rights with
the men of Iraq in that new unfolding and developing society. I urge
all of my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to my
good friend, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time.
I congratulate the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger) and the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), the gentlewoman from
California (Mrs. Tauscher) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Osborne) for their focus on this legislation.
This is a very exciting time. I know it is a contentious time. I just
returned from my ninth visit to Iraq yesterday morning. My purpose in
going was to meet with the drafters of the new Constitution, to express
our gratitude for their work and appreciation for their bravery, but
also to make sure they realize that they have an awesome opportunity to
a create successful country if they recognize that when they move
toward democracy, it has to include certain vital components.
Democracy obviously involves majority rule. That comes easy to folks.
They get majority rule but they also need to recognize the importance
of minority rights. And right along with that is the fact that
democratic countries that succeed are those democracies that recognize
women are an equal part.
When you look at the gross domestic product of the Arab nations, it
is astounding to recognize when you take in aggregate their total GNP
and in spite of controlling nearly two-thirds of the world's oil, they
still have a collective gross domestic product only equal to Spains'.
The message is clear, when you cut out half of your populace, you are
not going to prosper and grow. So it is in the self-interest of every
man and woman in Iraq to make sure women have an equal role in the
activities of their country.
When I met this past weekend with Iraqi women in Amman and in
Baghdad, and met with men and women who were participating in their
constitutional convention, it was clear they feel like they are the
Jeffersons and the Madisons and the Adamses and the Franklins and the
Shermans. They know they have this unbelievable opportunity to shape a
great nation.
It is right for our country to encourage them to do the right thing,
to tell them we know what has helped us succeed. But in the end, it is
their country and they will decide what is in their best interest.
They are going to decide, but if they want to succeed, and Lord knows
we want them to, they need to make sure that along with guaranteeing
majority rule and minority rights, right along with that there is the
very real need to guarantee women are not only protected as equal but
have an active role in their government.
Last June when the President demanded we transfer power to the
Iraqis, there were many who did not agree with him. We took this
American face and transferred it to Iraqis, and Iraqis began to be in
charge of their own country. They had their election this January. More
Iraqis participated in their election on a percentage basis than
Americans participate in their own elections.
And now they will met this August 15 deadline. They have assured me
they are going to have their constitutional draft done, they are going
to have their referendum on the 15th of October, and elect their new
government in December. They will succeed.
What is astounding is in spite of the bombings, in spite of the
chaos, it has not deterred the Iraqis from moving their country
forward.
I am going to conclude my remarks by again thanking the gentlewoman
from Texas (Ms. Granger) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) for their work, and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs.
Tauscher), and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) for his work.
I believe Iraqis know the importance of what they are doing, and that
this little nudge from us is important, but ultimately they get it.
They recognize women have a huge role to play in this potentially
powerful country, with 10 percent of the world's oil, with all the
water that a Middle East country could want. God bless our country, and
God bless our new fledgling democracy in Iraq.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House
Resolution 383, to encourage the Transnational Assembly of Iraq to
adopt a constitution that grants women equal rights under the law and
works to protect such rights.
Frankly, it's no secret that the women of Iraq faced horrific times
under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. Women confronted terror on a
daily basis and far too often lost their loved ones to the brutality of
the regime.
Since the fall of Saddam's regime and the emergence of a new
democratic government, the women of Iraq have made tremendous progress
in reclaiming their rightful place in society. These women have
overcome unimaginable obstacles and deserve our ongoing support as they
work to build a new democracy.
I have been fortunate enough to have met with many Iraqi women during
two visits to Jordan and Iraq this year. Despite finding themselves in
a dangerous environment, their dedication to achieving a democracy is
inspirational.
The elections that were held in Iraq were only the first step towards
democracy and equality. Thankfully, the transitional government was
committed to including women in the election process and ultimately
decided that every third name on each list would be a woman's name. As
a result, 31 percent of those elected to the Transnational Assembly of
Iraq are women. These elected women are participating in the writing of
the constitution which has a deadline of completion of August 15th.
But the women of Iraq continue to face obstacles. A current hurtle is
whether or not equal rights for women are included in the Iraqi
Constitution. Their inclusion or omission will determine the future of
Iraqi women's rights under the law, status in society, and role in the
government. Iraqi women understand this and want their rights clearly
defined in the constitution. They realize that unless their rights are
firmly established, their future is not ensured and it will be far too
easy to strip away these rights. Women constitute 60 percent of the
Iraqi population. Leaving the majority of Iraqis out of the
Constitution will not only prove detrimental to Iraqi women, but to the
future health and prosperity of Iraqi society.
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I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I strongly
encourage the Transnational Assembly of Iraq to grant women equal
rights under the law.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Foley). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 383.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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