Civil marriage resurfaces as hot topic in Lebanon’s politics
Newly appointed Minister of Interior Raya al-Hassan recently said she will engage a serious dialogue on civil marriage in Lebanon, which sparked backlash from religious authorities.
BEIRUT — Lebanon’s debate over the legalization of civil marriage was once again brought to the forefront after newly appointed Interior Minister Raya El Hassan vocalized her support to instate nonreligious unions, a practice strictly prohibited by religious leaders of all sects.
In a televised interview with Euronews Feb. 15, Hassan said that she would “try to make room for a serious and deep discussion” on a “framework for civil marriage.” The minister’s words quickly drew fire from religious authorities and political figures.
Dar al-Fatwa, Lebanon’s Muslim Sunni authority, issued a statement Feb. 18 after Hassan’s remarks declaring its “absolute rejection” of civil marriage due to its “contradiction to Sharia.” It said that a draft law could not be approved in parliament “without taking into consideration the stance of Dar al-Fatwa and the other religious authorities in Lebanon.”
On Feb. 22, Sheikh Ali-al Khatib, vice-president of the Higher Shiite Council, reaffirmed during a sermon that the body was against the option.
