COMMENTARY: Cleric's Edict for Syrian Troops to Satisfy Sexual Pleasure by Gang Raping Women Is Disgusting

A Saudi Islamic cleric this week issued a fatwa (religious ordinance) that calls for the gang rape of Syrian girls and women, because Syrian "warriors of Islam" may be getting weary for the lack of sexual pleasure.

Muhammed al-Arifi -- a leading jihadist religious figure -- said it was all right for the Syrian troops to rape any girls or women over the age of 14 who are not married.

While we realize that Syrian troops -- who have been fighting diligently for nearly two years to free Syria of its dictator Assad -- may be weary and upset due to a lack of sexual pleasure, we do not believe that they should be allowed to rape Syrian girls and women to satisfy their sexual desires.

Indeed, we find it incredible that a person -- especially a cleric -- would even think of proposing such a disgusting edict.

The time has come in society when men must view women as being equal to men, instead of the all-too-common mentality of regarding women as "play toys" whose primary purpose is to satisfy men's sexual desires.

In India, a woman died last week, as a result of being gang raped and beaten by six men on a bus. The six men are now being charged with murder, and -- if convicted -- will most likely be sentenced to death.

Although the Saudi cleric calling for rape can relate to the "pleasure" the Syrian troops may receive in raping women, he certainly has no idea of the pain and shame such an immoral act has on women. The recent death of the gang raped Indian woman illustrates par excellence the seriousness and danger of such an inhumane act.

Consequently, the Saudi cleric's gang rape proposal should be ignored -- even better, tossed into the gutter, where it really belongs -- as it depicts a disrespect for women and a disgrace to humanity.