Iranian women to receive equal 'blood money' as men

28 May 2008-Iranian women who are injured or killed in car accidents will be entitled to the same insurance company compensation as men under new legislation. Rights activists say women face discrimination in the Islamic state. For example, compensation for the loss of a woman's life, "blood money," is half that paid for a man under Shariah law imposed since the 1979 Islamic revolution. This rule, which applies to physical injury as well, has also governed payments from insurance companies even though both sexes pay equal premiums. Judiciary spokesman Alireza Jamshidi said the legislature had recently voted for the proposed change, even though it must also be approved by a powerful constitutional watchdog controlled by conservative clerics. "Henceforth the payment of blood money and damage compensation will be equal in regard to women and men," Mr. Jamshidi said. (Source)