CHP Takes Law Authorizing Muftis* to Perform Marriage to Constitutional Court

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At the press conference held in the parliament, Republican People’s Party (CHP) Group Deputy Chair Özgür Özel has said they will take the legislation that grants muftis the authority to perform marriage to the Constitutional Court as soon as possible.

First part of the draft on Law on Population services, which has seen protests by women for weeks, passed at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) General Assembly last night (October 18).

In the press conference, Özel said, “We will take this draft which will create a major insecurity for women, to the Constitutional Court. Indeed, we believe that this legislation that openly contravenes the constitution will be revoked by the Constitutional Court”.

The law drafting granting muftis authority to perform marriage and imposing criteria of “public morality” in acquiring citizenship via marriage drew criticisms in public.

As to the law amendment draft that stirred criticism, President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had said: "The Parliament will pass this law whether you like it or not".

Women have been protesting for weeks

As many as 100 women’s and LGBTI organizations had launched a campaign in the previous days called “These Laws Cannot Pass as They Are”.

As part of the campaign, the women went in front of the parliament and issued a statement for the press with the MPs from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).

Women’s simultaneous demonstrations continued in various cities for day.

CHP Women’s Branches took it to the street as well.

Upon objections raised by the woman MPs of opposition parties, it was sent to the sub-commission on October 3, for approval.
The sub-commission approved the draft as it was and sent it back to the Committee on Internal Affairs. (ÇT/TK)

*A mufti is an Islamic scholar who interprets and expounds Islamic law. Muftis are jurists qualified to give authoritative legal opinions.