Welcome New Law in Pakistan Raises Age for Christian Marriages
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan is celebrating the final approval of a new law that raises the minimum age for marriage among Christian boys and girls to 18. This legal amendment aims to protect Christian minors from forced marriages, a significant step in safeguarding the rights of young individuals.
Under the previous law, dating back to the British rule in India, girls could marry as early as 13, while boys were allowed to marry at 16. This outdated practice has long been a concern for Christian leaders in Pakistan, who have been advocating for a change to protect vulnerable children from sexual abuse and forced marriages.
Protecting Christian Girls from Forced Marriages
The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, Bishop Samson Shukardin, in collaboration with the National Commission for Justice and Peace, expressed satisfaction at the unanimous passing of the legislation.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the entire Parliament for passing this bill unanimously. This legislation will play a crucial role in protecting our young and minor girls from forced conversions and child marriages. We hope the Government will take further steps to criminalize forced religious conversions,” they stated in a joint message.
The New Christian Marriage Act
The newly approved Christian Marriage Act mandates that marriages can only be solemnized and registered when both contracting parties are 18 years old. In cases where there is a dispute regarding the age of any party, the court will verify the age using official documents such as a Computerized National Identity Card, birth certificate, or educational certificates. Medical examinations may also be conducted in the absence of these documents.
Overall, this legal reform is a significant victory for the Christian community in Pakistan, as it works towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of minors in the country.
