Women's equality absent from Egyptian constitution

(CBS News) CAIRO -- The fledgling Egyptian democracy just got its first draft constitution, but a lot of Egyptians aren't happy about it. It is the work of religiously conservative supporters of President Mohammed Morsi. Protesters had already filled the streets of Cairo, angry because Morsi had granted himself near absolute powers last week. They fear that the new constitution will take away many of their rights.

The assembly that wrote the draft constitution is dominated by President Mubarak's Islamist allies. So on the one hand, it gives Islamic law a bigger role in government. But on the other hand, a clause that specifically guaranteed equality for women was removed.

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On Friday, CBS News spoke with an Egyptian blogger who said she's worried that this draft constitution could be used to violate her rights.

"You take your salary from my taxes," said the blogger. "You have no right to tell me to live my life, how to dress, how to talk. You have no right to put me in jail because I'm expressing my opinion on the Internet or in the streets. And this is what they did in the constitution."

Morsi is making a political gamble. He is betting that a majority of Egyptians will vote for this draft constitution. If he is right, then Morsi will tighten his grip on power. But If he's wrong -- if Egyptians reject this proposed constitution -- then they're also rejecting Morsi's Islamist vision for Egypt.

[Tabatha911]

WHAT WOMENS RIGHTS???, ALONE ANY RIGHTS FOR ANYONE IN THE COUNTRY.
THANKS TO THE BLESSED MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD, WHO HAVE BROUGHT TERROR, IN-SECURITY, INCREASED PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS, INCREASED UNEMPLOYMENT. EVERY HOUR WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE SUBJECTED TO SEXUAL ASSULT IN THE STREETS OF CAIRO.

EGYPT IS GOING BACKWARD EVERY SECOND WITH THE OUTLAWED MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD OF EGYPT, RENOWN FOR GLOBAL TERROR AND FANATIC RELIGIOUS CLERICS. THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS WHAT'S GOING ON. YOU CANNOT COVER UP YOUR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY ANY LONGER!

MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS HAVE HAD ENOUGH.

[Elron_Aven]

Fears for her rights? She should fear for her life.

[coriolana]

this surprises anyone? first a major power grab. now a piece of dirty toilet paper for a constitution. we should be careful the gop doesn't get too many ideas.

[nojoy01]

I am confident enough that this "constitution" will pass that I'm offering odds. Three will get you Five. Why am I so sure? Guess who's going to be counting the votes.

[Freepress1111]

I hope for their sake that the Egyptians don't make the same mistake the Iranians made in 1979 and trade a secular dictatorship for a religious dictatorship.