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In January, the Pentagon, fearing a court case, rescinded its order and,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.
