KUWAIT CITY -- In a major step toward granting political rights to women in Kuwait, lawmakers agreed yesterday to permit them to vote and run in local council elections, although the measure requires more legislative action before it becomes law.

The bill passed on a 26-20 vote, with three abstentions.

A second reading and a second vote, expected in two weeks, is required. Then it needs the Kuwaiti ruler's signature, generally a formality. The emir has made clear that he supports political rights for women.

"This is the first step. ... I hope women will run in these [municipal] elections, and we hope that the big step will be participation in parliament," said Rola Dashti, a women's rights activist.

Municipal elections are expected to be held in the second half of the year. The council comprises 16 members, six of whom are appointed by the emir.

The parliamentary moves are steps toward amending Kuwait's 1962 election law to allow women to enter politics -- a subject of heated debate in the small Gulf emirate. The constitution gives men and women equal rights, but the election law limits the right to vote and to run for office to men over 21 who are not in the police or military.

"This bill is an achievement to broaden popular participation," liberal lawmaker Ahmed Mulaifi told the house.

But a Muslim fundamentalist legislator who voted against the bill, Mohammed Busairi, said Kuwait was taking the step because of pressure from the United States. "The Kuwaiti society is a conservative one," he said.

Fundamentalists and conservative tribal leaders fear that women will neglect duties of raising children and looking after husbands if they are permitted to vote and run for office. Political rights, they say, would lead to family breakdowns.