Cleric claims that “scientific research” backs his claim that women shouldn’t drive. Saudi women, not so sure.
file image made from video released by Change.org / AP
A Saudi cleric who said that women who drive risk damaging their ovaries and producing children with clinical problems went on Saudi television on Sunday to defend his views following widespread ridicule.
Sheikh Saleh al-Lohaidan said that his claims were "scientifically sound" and that he was "concerned for the health of women" during an interview on the Saudi Khalijia television network.
The cleric has been widely ridiculed online for his comments, and a hashtag started in his honor roughly translates as "Women driving affects ovaries and pelvises"
(#قيادة_المرأة_تؤثر_على_المبايض_والحوض).
The cleric's comments came as tens of thousands of Saudi women are planning a driving campaign on October 26 to protest the country's ban on female drivers. More than 100,000 women have already signed the petition to drive on October 26. Many of them thanked the cleric for his concern, but said they would be driving nonetheless.
