Egypt's top Islamic authority has defended women's rights to wear trousers in public following a high profile court case in neighbouring Sudan were women were flogged for dressing in pants. Grand Mufti Ali Goma'a said in a public lecture on Monday that trousers covering women's bodies are permitted, emphasising they should be loose and not see through.
Gomaa's remarks were published on Wednesday in the Egyptian daily Al Shorouk as well as other newspapers. His answer was in response to a question from the audience.
Sudan caused a stir when it flogged 10 women for wearing trousers. One contested penalty and was let off with a fine for public indecency in a trial that garnered international attention.
