A clash of cultures !

A 29 year old, Sydney born Muslim woman is facing a six month prison term in Lebanon because she has come into conflict with strict Islamic laws that regulate sex.   She separated from her Sydney husband and has the care of her two children, aged six and nine - and expects that in due course her separation will proceed to divorce.

She has entered into a new relationship with another Sydney Muslim man and they planned a holiday together to visit Lebanon.  Apparently a relative of her husband learned of their presence in that country, tipped off the religious police and both have had their passports seized, preventing them leaving Lebanon - and they will both be required to face a court.

This carefree holiday has turned into a disaster.   She suspects that involving the police was of malicious intent to stop her returning to her children in Sydney, and the publicity has caused her own family to disown her.  She is appealing to the Australian Consulate for help to sort out this mess.

This should be a clear warning to those travelling overseas to carefully examine the the religious laws that apply in the countries they plan to visit.  Even so, there is a risk that some Muslim  countries with a burgeoning tourist trade tend to ignore them in the interests of keeping the tourists happy, but they could be used to stop departure in the event of a motor accident or other event that became controversial.

The severity of laws pertaining to sex vary widely.    The penalty for adultery in some countries is stoning to death and even failing to have hair covered can lead to a public whipping in others, and there is little that the Australian Diplomatic service can do to mitigate punishments.

The danger comes from Muslims born and raised in Australia who assume that our liberal laws on relationships and sex are universal.   When we enter a foreign country, we are subjected to their laws.   Young people of the opposite sex having a holiday together are particularly vulnerable to falling foul of Muslim chastity laws.   The fact that they are travelling together - unchaperoned - is sufficient to bring charges that they have engaged in illicit sex.

Even legitimately married couples visiting a Muslim country would be wise to include a photostat of their marriage certificate with their travel papers - to be on the safe side !