The idea of gender segregation in schools, particularly from the onset of puberty, is widely accepted in conservative Palestinian society.

NPR: Women's Group Slams Gaza Law On Gender Segregation

While still relatively rare -- one advocate estimates that 0.25 to 0.5 percent of the American population is transgendered -- the idea of changing gender identity has become more widespread in recent years.

CNN: Born in male body, Jenny knew early that she was a girl

The BBC's Chris Morris in Strasbourg says some critics regard the idea of EU-wide legislation on the gender issue as patronising and counter-productive.

BBC: Euro MPs back quotas to get more women into top jobs

But she said that judgement should be made on the basis of "capability" and she was "deeply uncomfortable" with the idea of excluding a whole group of potentially capable soldiers, just because of gender.

BBC: Retired army officer calls for UK to allow women in combat

He questions why the idea of human nature has become a taboo subject, exploring "hot buttons" like violence, gender and aggression.

BBC: Aventis science prize 2003 - Pinker