Fox News has an English translation of the Law of Administration for the State of Iraq for the Transitional Period (aka the interim Constitution). It's a fairly interesting document to read. Hopefully I'm going to make a few more posts highlighting some of what I've found. Chapter 1 Article 7 says that
Islam is the official religion of the State and is to be considered a source of legislation. No law that contradicts the universally agreed tenets of Islam, the principles of democracy, or the rights cited in Chapter Two of this Law may be enacted during the transitional period. This Law respects the Islamic identity of the majority of the Iraqi people and guarantees the full religious rights of all individuals to freedom of religious belief and practice.
In much of the Middle East it seems that Islam and democracy don't play well together. It's an interesting assumption that laws will have to comply with both.
Chapter 2 Article 12 says
All Iraqis are equal in their rights without regard to gender, sect, opinion, belief, nationality, religion, or origin, and they are equal before the law. Discrimination against an Iraqi citizen on the basis of his gender, nationality, religion, or origin is prohibited. Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the security of his person. No one may be deprived of his life or liberty, except in accordance with legal procedures. All are equal before the courts.
I added the emphasis. Now that will be an interesting change. We'll see what happens the first time a woman sues for discrimination.
And here's a real shocker. Chapter 4 Article 30 says
The National Assembly shall be elected in accordance with an electoral law and a political parties law. The electoral law shall aim to achieve the goal of having women constitute no less than one-quarter of the members of the National Assembly and of having fair representation for all communities in Iraq, including the Turcomans, ChaldoAssyrians, and others.
That's a pretty amazing goal.