The Political Bureau of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (majority) called on the government to “accelerate the crystallization of proposals and broad lines for amendments to the Family Code, through a fundamental review of the draft law amending the Family Code, approving it and referring it as soon as possible to Parliament to complete the approval procedure.”
In a statement broadcast on Wednesday/Thursday night, the party called on “the majority parties to meet urgently to study these conclusions and discuss the most effective ways to implement them and implement them during the remaining stations.”
The Minister of Justice, Abdel Latif Wehbe, participated in this meeting, where he gave a presentation on the conclusions of his work in the Family Code Amendment Committee.
The leadership of this party affirmed its “full readiness, through all components and structures of the party, to engage positively and effectively in the intense communication dynamic regarding the developments of this review.” Calling on “all political, civil and human rights actors and parties to (…) rise above narrow calculations to continue this great national consensus on such strategic and societal issues during the remaining legislative stages of these reforms and translate them into reality.”
On Tuesday, the Minister of Justice revealed the most prominent amendments proposed as part of the review of the Family Code.
The proposed amendments included all sections of the Code, based on 139 proposals from the responsible body and the Supreme Scientific Council.
With regard to polygamy, fundamental amendments have been introduced that stipulate that it is compulsory to seek the wife’s opinion during the documentation of the marriage contract regarding her condition of non-polygamy. If the contract stipulates this, the condition becomes binding on the husband.
In the absence of the condition, polygamy will be limited to exceptional circumstances such as infertility or diseases that prevent cohabitation, or according to the judge’s discretion based on specific criteria.
A Moroccan women’s organization called for a review of the legal requirements related to the division of money between spouses in the event of divorce, and to ensure that domestic work is included within its contents.
As for custody and legal representation, they witnessed amendments that stipulated making legal representation a shared right between the spouses during the marital relationship and after separation, while giving the family judge the power to decide on any dispute.
The rights of a divorced mother to custody of her children have also been strengthened, even upon her marriage, while ensuring the right to housing for the child in custody and organizing his visits and travel in a way that serves his interests.
With regard to inheritance, the amendments adopted the opinion of the Supreme Scientific Council, which allows for the possibility of donating money to living heirs, while considering “judicial possession” sufficient.
The marriage of underage girls in Morocco is considered one of the issues that most attracts the attention of human rights associations, especially those concerned with children, as the exception provided by Moroccan law for the marriage of girls under the age of 18 has become an “almost a rule” that many resort to to marry their daughters under the legal age.
The scope was also opened for wills and gifts between spouses when there was a difference in religion.
The issue of marriage of minors has witnessed several changes, as the age of marriage was set at 18 years, with a specific exception for cases in which one of the parties reaches 17 years of age, and under strict conditions that guarantee the protection of his rights.
In the field of transparency and procedures, the amendments included reducing the period for deciding divorce cases to a maximum of 6 months, and adopting electronic means to document contracts and communicate judicial decisions.
The code also included the establishment of mediation and reconciliation bodies to address family disputes before resorting to the judiciary.
Related News :