Ministry begins studying proposed unified family law

Manama, Apr. 17 (BNA): Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa has expressed support for all constructive efforts for a unified family law to achieve the principle of effective legislative and judicial system. The law will also contribute to consolidating the stability of the Bahraini family, safeguarding its entity and boosting its significant importance in the diversified community and its pivotal role in sustainable development, the minister added. It will also safeguard rights and observance of family duties according to jurisprudential doctrines within the shared denominations and taking into account the sectarian specificities. Shaikh Khalid said that the ministry has begun studying the proposal submitted by the Shura Council to the Cabinet to issue a unified family law in the light of studies based on realistic issues and actual needs and in consultation with the Supreme Judicial Council. The minister expressed his aspiration for cooperation with the legislative branch to move ahead with the unified family law in compliance with the provisions of Article Two of the Constitution that stipulates that "Islam is the State's religion and Islamic Sharia is the main source of legislation.” Article Five of the Constitution stipulates that "the family is the basis of the community, formed on the basis of religion, moral ethics and love of the homeland and its legal entity is preserved by law that strengthens its bonds and values under the umbrella of which motherhood and childhood are protected,” the minister said. The state ensures compatibility between the duties of women towards their families and work in the community and their equality with men in the political, social, cultural and economic fields without violating the provisions of Islamic Sharia, he added.