Despite assertions by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais), a woman’s clothing has nothing to do with chance of her being raped, a woman’s group asserts.

By saying that observing the Muslim dress code (aurat) can avert those with sinister intentions, Jais in last Friday’s sermon is only blaming victims and absolving those who rape, Empower said.

Citing official statistics, Empower said two thirds f the 4,586 rape victims in 2007 knew the perpetrators, which included fathers and male relatives.

In 2010, it said, half of rape victims were children under the age of 16
“How would covering up protect women and girls in this situation?” it asked in a statement.

“Will JAIS insist on blaming the (child) victims over their dressing too? What about boys who are raped – how would JAIS suggest they be dressed “appropriately”?”

Instead of feeding rape myths, it said, Jais should work with advocacy groups in anti-rape campaigns to educate society to respect women.

“It would be an incredibly important role to play in an environment where myths about rape and sexual behaviour are passed off as facts by not only public institutions but political leaders.

“(This includes)  PAS ulama wing’s information chief Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali at-Takiri who claimed that sex education would lead to young people watching pornography and higher rates of teen pregnancies.”

This would be far more productive than coming up with sermons which justify by saying the victims were “asking for it” by not covering their aurat.

Jais’ Friday sermon last week compared a woman who does not cover her aurat as an unlocked home easily accessible to burgulars.

Sermon shouldn't keep blaming attire for rape