Sexes to be separated in panel advising Saudi king

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — A Saudi official says a screen will separate genders on the country's main advisory body to King Abdullah when women join it for the first time.

Following a decision by Abdullah, women will be allowed to join the Shura Council, his main group of advisers expected to reconvene early next year. The format is seen as a compromise with hardline Islamic factions that oppose even small reforms in the ultraconservative kingdom, where sex segregation is a widespread custom.

Abdullah has pledged to allow women to vote and run in the next municipal elections in 2015. But Saudi women still face many restrictions, including a ban on driving.

The official, quoted in Al-Watan newspaper on Wednesday, says an intenal communications network will allow men and women to communicate despite the barrier.

2012-11-07

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iL5zu2yhrN0bd-MNMUf9j9HZnx-w?docId=9a092283a0084ef39c0ad5af08eb96df

2012-11-08