Saudi Grand Mufti: Women Drivers Ban Protects Society from 'Evil'

The grand mufti of Saudi Arabia, speaking in Medina on Wednesday, said that the Saudi Arabian edict banning women from driving protected the country’s society from “evil.” Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah al-Sheikh, said that the push to let women drive should not be “one of society’s major concerns,” and urged for “the matter to be considered from the perspective of protecting society from evil” which, according to him, included letting women drive.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef told activists, “Rest assured that the issue is being discussed, and expect a good outcome.” Aziza al-Yusef, who met the Interior Minister with fellow activist Hala al-Dosari said that Saudi Prince Mohammed stated that that the ban was “a matter to be decided by the legislative authority.” Yusef told AFP, “We expect a royal decree that gives us this right.”

Saudi women must be granted permission from a male guardian to travel, work, and marry.