Spanish press deems revolutionary family law reforms in morocco
Morocco-Regional, Politics, 10/13/2003

The Spanish press described as "revolutionary" the Moroccan family law reforms announced Friday by King Mohammed VI at the parliament.

Newspapers, radio and TV all agreed in their comments on the amendments proposals that the outlines of this reform consolidate gender equality.

For "La Vanguardia" and "La Razon," the announced reforms deal with all the aspects of women's conditions and prepare the ground for "a new wording that replaces concepts undermining the dignity of women."

For the French press, the sovereign has supported in his speech read out in the opening of the parliament's fall session a modern wording of the Mudawana (family law). The French newspapers which quote large excerpts of the King's speech at the parliament, note that the king has displayed in a "spectacular manner" a will to introduce reforms he has been showing since his enthronement in 1999 with proposals that enhance gender equality.

Under the new reforms announced by the king, the family will be placed under the shared responsibility of the two spouses, marriage age for women was brought to 18 years, instead of 16, inheritance not systematically favor males, and polygamy will be conditioned to stringent conditions that make it almost impossible.

Among the other highlights of the new text, repudiation has been cancelled and only judiciary divorce shall be valid. Children protection was also enhanced under the new law that grants guardianship to the mother even if she remarries.

For French papers, the moves are unique in the Arab-Muslim world.

Le Parisien notes that the king insisted in his speech that the proposed reforms should not be understood as a victory of a camp over the other but as gains for all the Moroccans.

Tracing the path followed by the reforms before landing at the parliament, the paper recalls that a special commission entrusted with examining the amendments handed its version last September 20. In his capacity of Amir Al-Mouminine (commander of the faithful), the king could have simply enacted the new version of the family law by royal decree but the King of Morocco, who has promised to Moroccan women "no more no less than equality" chose to submit the text to the parliament.

It's a bold reform, comments "Le Figaro" which recalls that French president Jacques Chirac who is on a state visit to the Kingdom hailed "the courageous decisions and significant headway" in the debate over the status of Moroccan women.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco produces daily evidence that civilizations clash is not inexorable, Chirac   (10/11/2003)
  Parliament fall session opening: King Mohammed surveys reforms of the family law   (10/11/2003)
  No progress possible if women' rights are violated, says king   (10/11/2003)
  Spanish colonel: armada's occupation of Tourah islet was disproportionate, inconsiderate   (10/7/2003)
  Morocco wins African youth athletics championship   (7/26/2003)
  World Women Summit calls for favorable environment for better participation of women   (7/2/2003)
  Women's summit focused on many themes   (6/28/2003)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search