Jumblat promises Druze women to support the reforms of the confessional family law

The president of the Democratic Gathering, MP Walid Jumblat, met in Mukhtara last Saturday, a committee that included hundreds of Druze women from all regions, representatives of Druze women organisations and social and civil organisations in addition to the Progressive Women Union.  The delegation advised MP Jumblat of a law petition seeking to reform several clauses of the Druze Family Laws namely those related to relations within the family, raising custody age for children and inheritance.  The group asked Jumblat to support and endorse their request for reform following its discussion in the Druze religious council.  During that same meeting, the president of the social committee of the Druze religious council, lawyer Ghada Jumblat,  reiterated that these demands are not new and were initiated by women organisations some time ago.  She added that the Druze religious council took on board these demands which are now being followed. A specialised committee was set up to review the proposed reforms that were subsequently referred to the board of the Druze religious council.  The latter reviewed the proposed reforms and suggested a law petitition which women are now requesting its endorsement.  Jumblat confirmed his endorsement of all reform demands put forward to him. (Al- Diyar, 15 December 2017)