Iran is hosting next year’s chess world championship. “What could possibly go wrong?” you’re asking, while rolling your eyes so hard they threaten to detach. Everything can go wrong. And apparently it has… Before the event begins.

The world’s top female chess players have reacted with horror after being told they must compete at next year’s world championship wearing a hijab. Within hours of Iran being revealed as its host country, the prestigious event was plunged into crisis as it emerged players taking part face arrest if they don’t cover up.

That’s right, Iran wants to force world class, women chess players into… SEXISM! Sound the feminist alarm.

Of course, we’re talking about real sexism. Not to be confused with fake sexism. So will feminists “raise awareness” about this woman-hating garbage? I wouldn’t hold my breath. Third-wave feminists tend to be totes okay with Islamic rape culture and whatnot.

Holding the championship in Iran is a terrible idea for a prayer mat full of reasons, like safety issues and violation of freedoms. Seems like it didn’t go over too well with the players either…

In response, Grandmasters lined up to say they would boycott the 64 player knock-out and accused the game’s scandal-hit governing body Fide of failing to stand up for women’s rights.

Fide’s Commission for Women’s Chess called on participants to respect “cultural differences” and accept the regulations. Nazi Paikidze, US women’s champion… said: “It is absolutely unacceptable… It does not feel safe for women from around the world to play here. If the situation remains unchanged, I will most certainly not participate.”

Nigel Short, the British former world contender, said: “There are people from all sorts of backgrounds going to this, there will be atheists, Christians, all sorts of people. …Why would you want to wear a symbol of Islamic oppression of women?”

Fide says women should suck it up and deal with being oppressed for a little while. You know, because it’s the tolerant thing to do. Chalk it up to cultural differences. When in Rome, participate in the Christians being eaten by lions.

While Fide refuses to change the rules and/or location, female chess players take a stand by refusing to go. Can’t say I blame them. Some of these female chess players hail from countries with freedoms. Which they’ve grown rather accustomed to out of habit. A trip into the land of sexism and female slavery is not on their bucket list. What is likely on their bucket list is playing chess in the world championship. But being forced into sexism lest they’re arrested?

This is a perfect example of lop-sided, global political correctness. Fide expects everyone, including women who are oppressed in Islam to be tolerant towards Islam. When the suicide vest is on the other body, non-Muslims receive diddly squat in the way of tolerance. Tolerance for Muhammad, not for Mary. No it’s not fair, but fairness, schmairness.

See how that works?

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