Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has criticized a marriage law proposed by a group of nationalist Buddhist monks, which restricts Muslim men and non-Buddhists from marrying Buddhist women, calling it "discriminatory" and a violation of "human rights."
Under the proposed law, non-Buddhist men wishing to marry Buddhist women need to convert to Buddhism.They also need to seek permission from the local government officials as well as from the parents of the intended bride.
The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate called the law as one-sided and unfair. "This is one-sided. Why only women? You cannot treat the women unfairly," said Suu Kyi."There should not be any discrimination between the men and women," she added, labeling the recently proposed law as gender discrimination.
Aung Suu Kyi, who is prepared to fight the 2015 presidential elections, said that the law is "anti-Buddhist" and contrary to the laws of the country.
"I also understand that this is not in accordance with the laws of the country and especially that it is not part of Buddhism," said Kyi. "It is a violation of women's rights and human rights."
Aung San Suu Kyi herself is barred by the country's constitution from becoming the president as she had married a foreigner.
I want to be president and I'm quite frank about it," she told journalists at the World Economic Forum in the capital Naypyitaw on June 6, reports Reuters.
Speaking at Suu Kyi's 68th birth day ceremony Wednesday, the Former Military Commander Tin Oo called upon the military to support the opposition leader's bid for the presidential election. Among others, the U.S. Ambassador to Myanmar Derek Mitchell also attended the birthday ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, the Suu Kyi called for mutual respect among the different communities in the country.
In recent months, a wave of religious and sectarian riots engulfed Myanmar formally known as Burma where majority Buddhists and minority Muslims fought against each other.
