Women players calling for boycott

Ballynafeigh Chess

Next years world championships in Tehran are facing calls for a boycott from lots of prominent female chess players. FIDE awarded the event to Iran even though that the wearing of a hijab would be absolutely mandatory with no exceptions allowed! FIDE did not consult with any of the federations beforehand even though they were fully aware that the precondition that they were agreeing to would cause consternation amongst most of the women players,
Sad also that few of the men have been vocal in support of their female compatriots, or condemnation of the decision.

reunion

Can someone explain to me how it's against FIDE statutes against sex & religious discrimination? (as Nigel short is claiming)

Tychoo

The question we should be asking is how much did Iran payout to host it. :cool:

If it was my daughter i'd advise her not to go, perhaps all men/tv/media:D should be excluded from the event so the women wouldn't have to wear the hijabie crap.

reunion

Tychoo wrote: »

The question we should be asking is how much did Iran payout to host it. :cool:

Apparently they were the only applicant to host it so not much :pac:

Tychoo

Says a lot about women's chess then:(

reunion

Tychoo wrote: »

Says a lot about women's chess then:(

Not really unless they never get applications for Women's chess events.

Ballynafeigh Chess

Im thinking the only way this charade will be busted is for a full and determined boycott by all.
Imagine the outcry if black players were ordered to turn up wearing chains and Jew were ordered to wear an armband with a yellow star!
Yet because it is just women being forced to wear the regalia of a slave its okay!

Ballynafeigh Chess

Actually while we're at it why don't we just sign them up for some unwanted FGM while they're there. Sure where's the harm.

reunion

Ballynafeigh Chess wrote: »

Im thinking the only way this charade will be busted is for a full and determined boycott by all.
Imagine the outcry if black players were ordered to turn up wearing chains and Jew were ordered to wear an armband with a yellow star!
Yet because it is just women being forced to wear the regalia of a slave its okay!

That argument is absurd.

I found the petition that Nigel Short advertised (note he didn't start it): https://www.change.org/p/stop-women-s-oppression-at-the-world-chess-championship-by-challenging-fide-s-decision

Ballynafeigh Chess

Spoken like a true man Reunion

mikhail

Ballynafeigh Chess wrote: »

Spoken like a true man Reunion

I think this is a pretty stupid decision, and hope the event is moved, but comparing clothes to FGM is over the top, and attacking Reunion based on his gender is very unwelcome in my book.

Dragan Glas

Greetings,

I signed the petition on the grounds that wearing a hijab should be a individual visiting player's decision, regardless of Muslim women having to wear it.

To put it into perspective, this would be the equivalent of non-Muslim countries hosting the WCC - or any other competition - insisting that Muslim women could not wear a hijab - even if they wished to do so themselves.

In my opinion, it should be up to the individual woman what she wears wherever she goes.

Kindest regards,

James

reunion

Dragan Glas wrote: »

To put it into perspective, this would be the equivalent of non-Muslim countries hosting the WCC - or any other competition - insisting that Muslim women could not wear a hijab - even if they wished to do so themselves.

So France wouldn't be a suitable location either? because Muslim women wouldn't be permitted to wear a burka?

mikhail wrote: »

I think this is a pretty stupid decision, and hope the event is moved, but comparing clothes to FGM is over the top, and attacking Reunion based on his gender is very unwelcome in my book.

I just wanted to know how Nigel's shorts claims of holding a FIDE event in a recognised FIDE federation broke the FIDE statutes against sex & religious discrimination!

Is Iran making women wearing a hijab sexist? Yes. Do I agree with forcing women to wear a hijab? No. Is FIDE holding an event in Iran sexist? No.

Excluding Iran from ever hosting an event because they don't hold the same values you do is insane. That's the question here, can a muslim country host an international event? Yeah they can. I see this as being respectful to the laws, customs and traditions of the country organising the event. It's not how I'd run an ideal tournament, but you can't ever run everyone's ideal tournament.

If you disagree on a personal note (Armenia disagreeing with Azerbaijan holding the Olympiad for instance), you can make a personal choice not to attend.

Dragan Glas

Greetings,

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dragan Glas View Post
To put it into perspective, this would be the equivalent of non-Muslim countries hosting the WCC - or any other competition - insisting that Muslim women could not wear a hijab - even if they wished to do so themselves.
So France wouldn't be a suitable location either? because Muslim women wouldn't be permitted to wear a burka?

On that basis, yes. If a woman wishes to wear a burkha, then that's her decision.

Kindest regards,

James

reunion

Article on Chess.com regarding the hijab and chess

ComDubh

Once you start down the boycott route, you will find very few countries left to play chess in.

mikhail

Susan Polgar weighs in with a very sensible position:
https://chessdailynews.com/revealing-my-position-regarding-2017-womens-world-championship/

The following is from the end of her piece:

Most in the Western world are in agreement that there is a problem with women’s rights in Iran. I am certainly in this group. But the disagreement is how to tackle this delicate and contentious issue. Some believe that boycotting is the answer while others believe that by having this event in Iran, it will put the focus on the issue of women’s rights in the forefront, and this is the way to change and progress.

As for the female qualifiers, we MUST respect all opinions, whether they want to compete or not. It is a personal decision. I will vigorously defend any player’s right to boycott, and I will also defend the decision of any woman who chooses to compete with the same passion. But stop using these women, these athletes, to promote your own personal / political agendas. People can agree or disagree, but it is very wrong to attack any female player for making the decision they believe in.

Tychoo

Another question is what happens when a player wants to compete but will not wear the scarf what will the organizers do?
Will she disqualified or will be arrested? Will she be even left into the country?

I think Fide will be on a lose lose with this one.

reunion

Tychoo wrote: »

Another question is what happens when a player wants to compete but will not wear the scarf what will the organizers do?

Permit them to play, this doesn't breach FIDE rules. They (or someone else) may however report you to the Iranian authorities

Tychoo wrote: »

Will she disqualified or will be arrested? Will she be even left into the country?

She won't be disqualified. The rest has nothing to do with chess.

Tychoo wrote: »

I think Fide will be on a lose lose with this one.

Care to explain? I don't see a lose lose here, except for someone who has said they will boycott the event. Either A. they boycott the event and can't compete or B. they compete and are a hypocrite. If they boycott, they are pointing the finger at FIDE instead of the National organisation which should have objected to the location of the venue.

If the event is run professionally, you have a very publicized event in a potential country with increasing players. You show you are inclusive of different cultures and respect procedures you currently have in place for selecting organizers for events. Shows you as a professional organisation.