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Saudi Shura bans marriage of girls under 15 years
14-1-2019
The Saudi Shura Council approved on Wednesday a draft bill banning the marriage of girls under 15 years and linking the decision in marriage contracts for those under 18, male or female, to the competent court. According to Ukaz newspaper, 79 members voted in favor of the ban, while a total of 103 members agreed that restrictions should be observed for the marriage of minors under the age of 18. Some of these restrictions adopted by the Shura Council require: the consent of the girl and her mother; submission of a medical report from a competent party confirming the soundness of the bride’s physical and mental conditions, and that the groom’s age be not more than twice the age of his future bride. On the legislation, Shura Council member, Latifa Shaalan, described it as a good step forward that was not easy to reach. For her part, UK-based feminist academic researcher, Arij Jouhani, said it is promising, but added that the challenge remains in publishing similar decisions if ratified by a royal decree in such that they be accepted by the different regions of the Kingdom. In Lebanon, MP Roula Tabsh stated that the Saudi resolution is a necessary step towards the protection of girls from violence and exploitation. Recalling, that the Saudi Shura has no legislative power, but it submits proposals to the King, that are often welcomed locally. (Al Diyar, January 13, 2019)
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- العربية
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