Saudi Veil Rule Lifted for U.S. Servicewomen

The order to no longer require U.S. servicewomen in Saudi Arabia to wear a restrictive and oppressive body covering is long overdue (“Saudi Official Oppose U.S. Army Stance on Veil,” Jan. 25).

This has been an ongoing human rights violation for years. If the Saudi government had required Asian Americans, African Americans or any other select group to wear a particular piece of clothing in the name of religion, the people of this country would have been outraged.

The dedicated woman who has been fighting this issue for over seven years is Air Force Lt. Col. Martha McSally. She put her career on the line to defend the rights of American women when the officers above her would not help. She is a true hero in my eyes. Maybe the Saudis will learn by this action that the U.S. will not allow the human rights of our military personnel to be violated. Thanks to McSally for one more step toward equality for my daughters.

Beverly L. Hanes-Simon

San Clemente