[A]lthough it was based on the provisions of the Palestinian Basic Law of 2003, the Lawyers' Clothing Statute of 1930 and what it calls 'common righteous norms,' as mentioned in its preamble, the decision violates the constitution and the law and undermines women's rights and personal freedoms ensured by the constitution ....
-- Press release entitled "Decision to Impose Traditional Robes and Veils on Female Lawyers in Gaza Is Illegal," issued yesterday by the Gaza-based nonprofit Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (logo below). One of the women affected, attorney Subhiya Juma, told the Associated Press that "the judge's decision would affect only 10 or so lawyers — since the vast majority of the 150 registered female lawyers already cover their hair." Juma is among those who do not.
