Egyptian Parliament considers mandatory psych exams before marriage
A number of Egyptian MPs have submitted a bill obliging couples to undergo psychological examination before marriage due to increased incidents of family crimes that have rocked Egypt recently.
A young man killed his pregnant wife by stabbing her six times with a knife. A man killed his three children, his wife and himself due to financial burden. A dentist killed his wife with 11 stab wounds in front of their young children. A groom hit his bride in the street a few hours before their wedding party.
These are some of many incidents that have prompted a number of MPs to submit a bill obliging couples to undergo psychological examination before marriage.
The bill would require those who are about to get married to first be examined and then to complete a course of treatment if necessary. According to the draft law, would-be couples must submit to a complete physical examination as well as a mental and psychological evaluation, to ensure that they are free of diseases and to protect their future life.
The proposal does not allow the marriage registrar to conclude the marriage contract, or any other party to notarize it, except after submitting a medical certificate. The marriage registrar could face a penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of LE50,000 ($3,180) for violations.
