Saudi King advised to lift, conditionally, ban on women drivers
PUBLISHED : Sunday, 09 November, 2014, 7:22am
UPDATED : Sunday, 09 November, 2014, 7:22am
Associated Press in Riyadh
The Saudi king's advisory council has recommended that the government lift its ban on woman drivers.
It's only for women older than 30, who must be off the road by 8pm and cannot wear make-up behind the wheel. But it's still a startling shift.
The Saudi king's advisory council has recommended that the government lift its ban on woman drivers, according to a member of the council.
The Shura Council's recommendations are not obligatory on the government, but simply making the recommendation was a major step after years of the kingdom staunchly rejecting any review of the ban.
There have been small but increasingly bold protests by women who have taken to their cars over the past year, with some posting videos of themselves online. The driving ban, which is unique in the world, is imposed because the kingdom's ultraconservative Muslim clerics say "licentiousness" will spread if women drive.
The council member said the Shura Council made the recommendations in a secret, closed session held in the last month.
Under the recommendations, women of the right age would be allowed to drive and would need permission from a male relative - usually a husband or father, but lacking those, a brother or son. They would be allowed to drive from 7am to 8pm from Saturday to Wednesday and noon to 8pm on Thursday and Friday - the weekend in the kingdom.
