Religious Groups in Egypt Call for Right to Remarry
A group of Egyptians have protested in front of the justice building in Cairo on Thursday to demand the introduction of civil marriages allowing them to divorce or remarry.
Protesters, which included both Christians as well as Muslims, want the next parliament elected in September to adopt a law that separates civil law from church law for marriage and divorce.
Protestors marched around with banners stating “no to changing religion to gain divorce,” and “a civil marriage and divorce saves Egypt from sectarian strife.”
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Although this particular protest was peaceful, certain people feel the issue could escalate to an extent where violent protests could be used in the future.
"It usually starts with a personal problem and then transforms into a major problem," tells Karima Kamal, author of the book "The Coptic Divorce" to Zeenews.com.
Currently, Egyptians follow the laws of their religion when it comes to marriage and divorce.
The Coptic Church only allows divorce in very exceptional circumstances wish usually forces some to convert to Islam to obtain a legal separation.
Muslim women are not allowed to marry Christian men unless the men agree that they will convert to Islam.
Today civil marriages are limited to Egyptians marrying foreigners. Frustrated individuals such as protestor Fawqy Ayed Abdallah, 43, toted around a banner reading “I will not live lonely my whole life.”
