Lingerie a Key Issue in Qatar Municipal Election

Qatar is gearing up for it's municipal elections on the 1 April 2007. While many residents in Doha a are concerned with the major disruptions caused by infrastructure projects and road safety, one candidate is focusing on the issue of issues : ladies underwear!

According to an article in the The Peninsula a candidate is greatly concerned that

most outlets selling lingerie have male salesmen, which is not a desirable practice in a conservative society like Qatar's, said Hassan Al Jefairi. In a communication addressed to the social affairs division at the Department of Labour, he said that men should not be allowed to work in shops that sell exclusively female garments.

And, especially if it comes to buying lingerie, a woman would usually avoid visiting a shop which has male sales personnel. "So, give visas to single women so they can not only work in lingerie shops but also in other outlets as well as offices," he said

When asked if concerned about social problems that may arise out of having single females, he answered :

"So, we need to be selective and issue visas to women from good families. Anyway, a woman who is willing to come here and take a job for a monthly salary of QR2,000 or QR2,500 will definitely have a good character, because if she is morally corrupt, she can earn this much money in a day in her home country itself. There is no need for her to look for a job overseas,"

To be fair, the fine candidate's proposal is about much more than lingerie. It is about the rights of migrant workers in Qatar:

"This is a violation of human rights not to make opportunities available for single and unmarried men to mix and socialise with young women, fall in love and get married and live a happy and stable family life," he remarked. "I have written all these things in my letter."

"Let me be clear that I am not talking here of bringing over women with suspicious character and encourage immorality. What I am saying makes sense as it would add to social cohesion and stability," said Al Jefairi.

Watch this blog for more Qatar Municipal Election Coverage!