Tunisian women march for equal inheritance rights

Tunisian women have demonstrated to demand equal inheritance rights, amid national debate over the issue that has reverberated around the Muslim world.

Under a heavy police presence, they marched to parliament Saturday in Tunis to demand a law guaranteeing equal inheritance for daughters and sons.

The current system based on Islamic Shariah law generally grants daughters only half the inheritance given to sons.

The marchers insisted that Tunisian society has evolved and can remain devoutly Muslim while modernizing its laws. The protest was linked to recent events around the world for International Women's Day.

Two women held a counter-protest, saying such a law threatens society.

Tunisia's president prompted widespread anger when he proposed changes to inheritance laws last year. A special commission studying new rules will present conclusions in June.