Iran's Khamenei Reinstates Ban On Women At Sports Events

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (file photo) (AFP) May 8, 2006 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vetoed a ruling by President Mahmud Ahmadinejad that would have allowed women to watch men's sports events in stadiums.

Last month, Ahmadinejad ordered an end to the 27-year-old ban on women entering sports stadiums to watch men's games. Ahmadinejad said at the time that the presence of women and families would bring "morality" and "chastity" to the stadiums.

Government spokesman Gholam Hossein Elham told journalists in Tehran today that Ahmadinejad will respect the supreme leader's decision.

Meanwhile, Ahmadinejad today called for the introduction of an Iranian dress code for men and women.

The news agency ISNA quotes Ahmadinejad as saying during a visit to an Iranian textile exhibition that relevant experts should work on the Iranian dress code.

He added that the new outfit should have a variety of forms and colors as well as be economical.

Ahmadinejad said last month that his government will not use strong-arm tactics against women who are not fully respecting an Islamic dressing code.

(dpa, AFP)