You won't find a decent explanation. Islam is anti-woman, and every Muslim we've had here has confirmed that (whilst jumping through hoops trying to prove otherwise). In Western culture, for a woman to be equal, they have to have the same rights as a man; no more, no less. The same is simply not true in Islam; for a woman to be "equal" in Islam, they must be dominated by a man.
I can't wait for someone to try and defend these punishments though.
I can't wait for someone to try and defend these punishments though.