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A Rundown On Civil Marriage Laws In Lebanon
The topic of civil marriage was revived after the parliamentary elections took place due to statements made by incoming members of parliament, as well as religious figureheads. Needless to say, this stirred quite a bit of controversy over the past few days, despite it not being the first time that this matter was brought to the table for discussion.
The independent online media platform Megaphone recently highlighted major milestones regarding the demands to legalize civil marriage and unify personal status laws in Lebanon since 1998 in an informative post:
The lack of a civil code in Lebanon
Lebanon lacks a civil code that can regulate personal status matters (including marriage, inheritance, child custody, etc.), so the authority is placed in the hands of religious courts to oversee personal status issues. However, there is no unified personal status law since they cater to different religious sects, meaning Lebanon is home to 15 separate personal status laws.
Lebanese people who wish for a civil marriage ceremony usually get married abroad where it is legal. However, even in such a case, they must also perform a religious marriage for their unity to be recognized in Lebanon. It is also important to mention that when a couple’s civil and religious marriages are in conflict, the religious marriage will always prevail over the civil one.
Many of the newly elected MPs recently made clear their stance on civil marriage, angering many in favor of religious marriages, including individuals of high religious authority.
The shortcomings of religious courts
The problem with religious marriages is that they cater to the often patriarchal and discriminatory values held by the corresponding religious court on matters such as divorce and child custody (among other things). Even in cases of domestic violence, women have been given the short end of the stick and must suffer the discriminatory laws of inconsiderate religious courts.
The shortcomings of religious courts when it comes to women’s rights appear in many past cases. Back in February 2021, Zeina Kanjo was strangled to death by her husband.Lara was brutally stabbed in multiple places by her husband and was left in critical condition. Both women had filed for divorce prior to these occurrences. In July 2021, Najah Obaid was shot 15 times in the head by her husband.
Another major story that occurred earlier this year is the story of Lilianne Cheaito whose passport was withheld by the Jaafari religious court due to an ongoing claim filed by her ex-husband. Five months after she had withstood injuries as a result of the August 4 blast, he sought sole custody of the child as Lilianne battled for her life. His request was granted, and he then filed a claim against her that would stop her from traveling for treatment.
For the full story, watch this video put together by Daraj Media:
The power held by religious courts over women’s personal status laws has resulted in whirlwinds of violence and murders. A decision in favor of civil marriage will not only protect women from discrimination but could also open doors for civil and secular policy-making. Although religious authority is deeply rooted in Lebanon, and the dismemberment of the sectarian state is a hefty task that will take many years, there is always a place to start.
For an in-depth look at Lebanese Personal Status Laws among different sects, click here.
Also check out:
How To Get A Civil Marriage In Cyprus
The independent online media platform Megaphone recently highlighted major milestones regarding the demands to legalize civil marriage and unify personal status laws in Lebanon since 1998 in an informative post:
The lack of a civil code in Lebanon
Lebanon lacks a civil code that can regulate personal status matters (including marriage, inheritance, child custody, etc.), so the authority is placed in the hands of religious courts to oversee personal status issues. However, there is no unified personal status law since they cater to different religious sects, meaning Lebanon is home to 15 separate personal status laws.
Lebanese people who wish for a civil marriage ceremony usually get married abroad where it is legal. However, even in such a case, they must also perform a religious marriage for their unity to be recognized in Lebanon. It is also important to mention that when a couple’s civil and religious marriages are in conflict, the religious marriage will always prevail over the civil one.
Many of the newly elected MPs recently made clear their stance on civil marriage, angering many in favor of religious marriages, including individuals of high religious authority.
The shortcomings of religious courts
The problem with religious marriages is that they cater to the often patriarchal and discriminatory values held by the corresponding religious court on matters such as divorce and child custody (among other things). Even in cases of domestic violence, women have been given the short end of the stick and must suffer the discriminatory laws of inconsiderate religious courts.
The shortcomings of religious courts when it comes to women’s rights appear in many past cases. Back in February 2021, Zeina Kanjo was strangled to death by her husband.Lara was brutally stabbed in multiple places by her husband and was left in critical condition. Both women had filed for divorce prior to these occurrences. In July 2021, Najah Obaid was shot 15 times in the head by her husband.
Another major story that occurred earlier this year is the story of Lilianne Cheaito whose passport was withheld by the Jaafari religious court due to an ongoing claim filed by her ex-husband. Five months after she had withstood injuries as a result of the August 4 blast, he sought sole custody of the child as Lilianne battled for her life. His request was granted, and he then filed a claim against her that would stop her from traveling for treatment.
For the full story, watch this video put together by Daraj Media:
The power held by religious courts over women’s personal status laws has resulted in whirlwinds of violence and murders. A decision in favor of civil marriage will not only protect women from discrimination but could also open doors for civil and secular policy-making. Although religious authority is deeply rooted in Lebanon, and the dismemberment of the sectarian state is a hefty task that will take many years, there is always a place to start.
For an in-depth look at Lebanese Personal Status Laws among different sects, click here.
Also check out:
How To Get A Civil Marriage In Cyprus
