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House acts to liberate women soldiers from Saudi dress code

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Thursday, May 16, 2002

WASHINGTON Ñ The United States might soon be banned from ordering women soldiers to wear Muslim dress in Saudi Arabia.

Legislation is moving quickly through Congress that would prevent the Defense Department from requiring U.S. women soldiers in Saudi Arabia to wear the abaya, or traditional robe that covers the entire body. Saudi Arabia had required all women, including U.S. military personnel, to wear the heavy black robe on the streets of the kingdom.

The House passed a bill that prevented the Pentagon from pressuring female soldiers into wearing the abaya. The legislation passed on Tuesday was in response to a law suit brought by an air force lieutenant who termed the order unconstitutional.

In January, the Pentagon, fearing a court case, rescinded its order and, instead, "strongly recommended" that female soldiers wear the abayas. House members said the recommendation represented an informal order.

"For those of us who have served in the military, we know that 'strongly encouraged' is not optional," Rep. Heather Wilson, a New Mexico Republican who served in the air force, said. "If you value your military career, you'll do it."

About 5,000 U.S. soldiers are deployed in Saudi Arabia. The House bill prohibits "members of the Armed Forces in Saudi Arabia from being required or formally or informally compelled to wear the abaya garment." It also prohibits the Pentagon from buying such robes.

The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration. Congressional staffers said the Senate is expected to vote on the bill within the next few weeks.

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