Tehran, Sept 28, IRNA -- A bill passed by the Majlis giving women full divorce rights was rejected by the Guardians Council.

The bill which, besides full divorce rights, would have given divorced women the right for financial claims and inheritance, was ratified by the majority of votes at Majlis open session of August 25, 2002.

The Guardians Council contended that the changes to Iran's civil code proposed in the bill by the reformist majority to give women the full right to divorce were contrary to Islamic laws.

The proposed bill would also have given women the right to claim financial damages.

According to Iranian civil code, women can file a divorce at the court only in case their husband is impotent, insane or fails to earn a living for the family.

However, the process of such a divorce is quite lengthy and it should be proved by presenting strong evidences.

Addiction to drug and alcohol have been added by the Guardians Council to the list of the cases which entitle women to file a divorce.