Kafa for a civil personal status law which ensures gender equality

Kafa Enough Violence and Exploitation organization warned in a statement yesterday the government who has not respected the deadlines set for the development of a civil personal status law and that is in total disregard to the role of civil judiciary. Since its creation, the statement said, the Lebanese State, has been procrastinating this issue under the pretext that it is the responsibility of religious authorities and supported by Article 9 of the Constitution. “This kind of argument no longer convinces us, for we know that any legislation cannot be enacted if it is contrary to the Constitution,” the statement added. Kafa criticized the government’s reluctance to formulate a civil and fair law that does not view women as “subordinate” to men, warning that this year will witness stepped-up efforts to “expose what is going on, not only within the private spheres marital homes, but also behind the secluded doors of spiritual courts which are immune to accountability and responsibility.” “It is true that the Lebanese Constitution under Article 9, has safeguarded the personal status system and religious interests, yet it never ensured respect for the basic rights of women. Moreover, it went as far as justifying the forced marriage of minors, depriving mothers of their children, cautioning women to exercise patience, preventing many women from filing for divorce and determining an alimony barely enough to clothe a child,” the statement said. Today, which coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, presents an opportunity to question the relation between the alimony, children custody and other civil matters with religion or sect. With the presence of competent civil judiciary, these issues should fall within their powers, the statement noted. “The Government’s responses no longer persuade us, nor do the political and spiritual ranks intimidate us. What they consider as untouchable is in fact a secular law, adjustable and adaptable. Now is the time for the government to reinstate authorities to their rightful place,” Kafa statement concluded. (Al Mustaqbal, November 25, 2016)