Muslim Book Stirring Outrage

Women's groups in Spain are outraged by a book written by a Muslim cleric containing advice on how men can beat their wives without leaving marks.

The sixth chapter of the book Women in Islam says in some cases beating is appropriate punishment for a disobedient wife, so long as the punches "don't leave cuts or bruises."

A coalition of 30 women's groups called the European Women's Lobby has filed suit to have the book withdrawn. They're invoking a Spanish law designed to protect women from discrimination in the home and workplace.

The book's editor is defending the book, saying it was published three years ago and has 3,000 copies in print.

©2000 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed