Draft law authorizing ‘muftis’ to register civil marriages submitted to Turkish parliament

ANKARA

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A recent draft law on the civil registration services proposing to allow “muftis,” religious civil servants within the body of Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), to register marriages, was submitted to the Turkish parliament on July 25.

“Easing citizens’ marriage procedures, ensuring they receive services in an easier and faster way,” was the reported reason given for the proposed amendment. 

Previously, the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy Şenal Sarıhan had asked in a parliamentary question why such an amendment was needed. “Do marriage registrars and municipalities fall short in meeting these demands? What plans to be done for circumstances that may emerge with this change, in order to prevent under-aged children from being exposed to constant sexual abuse and exploitation because of their ‘legal married’ status or ‘religious marriage’ status performed by an imam, which constitutes a big social problem and violation of rights?” Sarıhan had asked. 

Many also have criticized the proposed amendment on social media.