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Blogging against sexism

Mar 8, 2007
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Today is international women's day and, not coincidentally, blog against sexism day. I've been thinking about making a post outlining my position on various feminist issues, but haven't really executed the plan. Since I'm short on time, I'd like to just take a minute to briefly explain the way I feel about some issues. To keep things brief and clear, I've created a table to describe my thoughts. I've covered only six topics. Obviously, there are many more. Please feel free to share your opinions, especially about prostitution and pornography, as I am very conflicted over those. At the same time, you should know that nothing will change my opinions on the ERA, Abortion, or same-sex marriages. Happy International Women's Day!

Issue	Political Stance	Personal Belief
Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the Constitution of the United States of America	I fully believe in and support the ERA. Until this country acknowledges that women are a fundamental part of American society by including them in the binding and legal document which upholds the republic, women (and men) will not be protected against sexism.	All women and men are created equal. All women and men will be held accountable for their own actions on Judgment Day.
Abortion	Abortion is a public health issue. Abortion must be completely legal in every state. All women must have access to a variety of birth control methods, and these birth control methods must be affordable to every woman. Likewise, more research must be conducted on hormonal birth control for men. However, until women have absolute autonomy over their bodies, reproduction, and sexuality, women will suffer. Men should never dictate to women how, when or where they produce offspring. There should be no spouse- or parental-notification laws.	Speaking strictly from a moral perspective, abortion is wrong. The Qur’an specifically prohibits feticide and infanticide. I acknowledge that religion and spirituality play a major role in many women’s sexuality and reproduction, and should not be ignored. However, these beliefs vary from woman to woman, and therefore cannot be dictated to society by a State. In my ideal world, all women and men would have access to birth control and would use it as they deem appropriate. Few women would have the need to seek abortions.
Same-sex marriages	All persons should be able to marry their partner of choice, as long as that partner is capable of making and expressing his or her commitment. This also means that persons seeking marriage must be of legal age. The State must acknowledge these unions and grant the persons involved the same privileges and rights that heterosexual unions receive under the law. Religious institutions do not need to endorse or approve of same-sex marriages.	I do not believe that Islam prohibits same-sex relations, nor do I believe that Muslims are required to denounce same-sex relations as unholy and sinful. All people have a right to believe, or not to believe, in whatever religion they choose. For more information on Islam and same-sex relations please visit the following web sources. Huriyah Imaan Al-Fatiha
Modest Dress	All women have a fundamental right to wear or not to wear whatever they want. No State should dictate to women how to dress or what to cover. Both the French and Turkish ban on the headscarf violate women’s rights, as well as laws, such as in Iran and Saudi Arabia, which force women to cover themselves. Covering is a choice.	Covering is a choice. I do not however, believe that the full face veil, or niqab, is an Islamic practice, nor is the burqa. I prefer to dress modestly, but I do not always cover my hair.
Prostitution	Prostitution is a public health issue. Legalizing prostitution and regulating it would be a better way to keep women safe. It would also cull human trafficking.	I absolutely, 100% detest and despise prostitution. This does not mean I feel any hatred towards women who sell themselves. On the contrary, I am saddened and enraged that women must resort to prostitution to feed themselves and their children. I am horrified and infuriated that men (fathers, brothers, husbands, uncles, cousins) sometimes force women into prostitution to make money. I am sickened at the thought that very young girls are sometimes sold to brothels, so that their family can have more money.
Pornography	Pornography is a public health issue. It should not be banned, as it is a form of expression. However, it should be regulated. Porn stars should wear condoms. Violent pornography (“snuff”) should remain illegal.	The vast majority of pornography is denigrating to women. I find it disgusting. Humans should embrace their sexuality, but that doesn’t mean they should take advantage of anyone sexually.