The Cabinet has approved a proposal permitting Muslims to get married under the Marriage Registration Ordinance in Sri Lanka.
As per the 12th Section of the Constitution, no citizen shall be discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion, language, caste, sex, political opinions, or place of birth.
However, the Muslim Marriages and Divorce Act has included provisions that discriminate against women. Various women’s organizations belonging to the Muslim community and Muslim law scholars have pointed out the need to repeal such provisions from the law, the Government pointed out.
The Government added that therefore, under the common law governing the marriage and divorce of the citizens of Sri Lanka, it has become appropriate to provide them with alternative opportunities to govern the marriage and divorce of people of the Muslim community as well.
The Cabinet has approved a proposal submitted by Minister of Justice Ali Sabry in this regard.
Minister Sabry has proposed to amend the Civil Procedure Code and the Civil Procedure Code which contained the Marriage Procedure enabling to govern under the said Act on condition that persons who believe in Islam intend to get married under the Marriage Registration Ordinance. (NewsWire)
