RIYADH: The Committee for Human Rights and Petitions at the Shoura Council has received over 100 petitions requesting the advisory body to not discuss the issue of women driving, Al-Hayat Arabic newspaper reported Saturday. Committee chairman Mish'al Al-Ali told the newspaper that the 100 petitions had come from “all sections of society”, but said that the Shoura was willing to discuss “any issue”. “The committee has not received any petition requesting that the subject of women driving be discussed,” he said. “There are no lines we won't cross and we are not afraid to broach the subject, but we haven't received a single petition, Al- Ali said. He said the 100 petitions against discussing the subject were all in “complete opposition” to women driving. “This is something evident in Saudi society, as there is anxiety over women driving,” he said. “Opponents believe it is forbidden and impermissible.” Responding to criticisms in the press that he is wary of having his name associated with the subject after some individuals claimed to have made petitions for the Shoura to discuss the subject, Al-Ali said it was “slander”. “Those supporting women driving have not made their petitions through the correct and usual channel, and the chairman of the Shoura Council has explained that issue sufficiently,” Al
