Cherie questions Islam’s treatment of women
Cherie Blair yesterday caused a stir when she suggested some Muslims interpreted Islam as a way to treat women as second-class citizens.
The prime minister’s wife told journalists at a private lunch in New Delhi that she was “fascinated by Islam” but warned that some people used it to deprive women of human rights on the grounds of religious dogma.
Mrs Blair is no stranger to the diplomatic controversy. In 2002, she claimed young Palestinians had “no hope but to blow themselves up”, hours after 19 Israelis died in a suicide bomb attack.
And speaking yesterday, the 50-year-old human rights barrister said: “I am a very religious person and there is much that is good about Islam. But some people and groups misinterpret it, especially in its treatment of women.
“I am fascinated by Islam and the different ways it is practised across the world. It is a very deep religion, but in certain circumstances it does seem to be somewhat of an anachronism, particularly in the way some women are treated under Islam.”
Tony Blair, who spoke to Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh after a trade summit, refused to comment on his wife’s remarks, saying he had already “too much on his plate”.
The Blairs have been to China and India on a four-day lightning visit. Once back in London, Mr Blair will prepare for the UN summit next week in New York.
