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6 November 2008
THE HAGUE – Dutch Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin is considering whether measures should be introduced against what is known in the Netherlands as ‘Islamic marriage’.
These unofficial weddings are based on Islamic law, but do not take place in mosques, and those entering into such contracts are not legally married under Dutch law. There will be no alimony when a couple divorces. If one of them dies, the other member of the couple is not eligible for inheritance.
The Labour party says certain mosques are encouraging young Muslims to enter into such unofficial marriages. In an earlier report this year by Trouw, various politicians have expressed their concerns that that such religious weddings may involve forced or polygamous marriages.
The justice minister is not ruling out future criminal proceedings against people involved in the practice.
[Radio Netherlands / Expatica]