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Open Recognise the Islamic Nikah as a legal form of marriage

Created by Mariam Abbas
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Amend the Marriage Act 1949 to recognise Islamic Nikah ceremonies as a legal form of marriage, granting them similar legal status as Anglican, Jewish and Quaker marriages.

Anglican, Jewish and Quaker marriages can all be legally recognised under the Marriage Act 1949. Nikah-only couples are legally cohabitants, denying women financial and property rights on divorce. The 2018 Sharia Review backed reform. We ask Parliament to amend the Act to give Nikah ceremonies equal legal status.

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    This petition will stay open until 29 January 2027.