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Minister Raya Hassan’s statement on civil marriage sparks wide controversy
19-2-2019
The new minister of interior, Raya Hassan, told Euronews that she personally endorses a framework for civil marriage and will seek to start a serious dialogue on the issue with religious authorities with the support of prime minister Saad Hariri until it is recognized. Hassan’s remarks have sparked wide public controversy drawing fierce backlash from those who oppose civil marriage or strong backing from advocates of a civil personal status law. Meanwhile, Christian and Muslim clerics strongly criticized the minister publicly on TV. Dar el Fatwa announced in a statement yesterday its absolute rejection of civil marriage as it contradicts the provisions of Islamic Sharia, noting that the issue falls within its responsibility. Al Akhbar newspaper wrote that Dar el Fatwa’s position crisscrosses that of other religious establishments in the country. In the same vein, Al Diyar daily cited Future Movement circles as saying that PM Hariri has asked minister Hassan to ‘withdraw tactically’ from the issue and refrain from mobilizing further discussion on ‘optional’ marriage as the matter prompts unwanted confrontation with Dar el Fatwa which the council of ministers has no ambition to face. Progressive Socialist Party head, Walid Jumblat, entirely supported Hassan in her call for civil marriage, as did the Lebanese National Bloc Party. Also Free Patriotic Party and the Lebanese Forces MPs expressed their personal support to the issue. Nayla Geagea, activist in the field of human rights and citizenship rights, pointed out that respecting the individualities of religions in Lebanon in terms of personal status, is an exception stipulated by the Constitution and is not a monopoly or a privilege. There are scores of draft bills related to civil marriage that are kept in the drawers of the parliament. (An Nahar, Al Akhbar, Al Mustaqbal, Al Hayat, Al Diyar, February 19, 2019)
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- العربية
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