Franklin Graham criticizes Muslim proposal to allow men to beat their wives 'lightly'

Evangelist Franklin Graham condemned a proposed Islamic law in Pakistan that will give husbands legal right to "lightly beat" their wives.

In a Facebook post, Graham warned women that Islam intends to put them "behind a veil of horror."

Muhammad Kahn Sherani, head of the Council of Islamic Ideology, recently proposed a legislation saying husbands should deal with defiant wives by hitting them with "light things," being careful to avoid their faces and private parts, Express Tribune reported.

The proposed law sparked outrage, and Graham spoke out against it.

"According to them, that is permissible if she defies his commands and refuses to dress up per his desires, does not wear a hijab, interacts with strangers, speaks too loudly, or declines other more personal things," Graham said.

He also condemned the proposal's idea to "instill fear" in the men's wives by using things like a "small stick."

Graham called out feminists and women activists like Gloria Steinem and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton who advocate for women's rights but are often silent on Islamic teachings that treat women as second-class citizens.

In defense of the proposed legislation, Sherani said people have blown the issue out of proportion. He explained that light beating does not necessarily equate to violence.

Husbands, Sherani said, possess rights that are put in place for the "collective good" of everyone, but they are not permitted to cause "physical damage" to the women in their families like their daughters and wives.

"Oh really?" Graham said. "Somehow that's not very comforting is it. Women of the world, Islam wants to put you behind a veil of horror."

Addressing women, Graham said Christianity treats women with respect and dignity. In fact, Jesus elevated women. If women will put their faith and trust in Jesus, He will never fail them, he said.