Morocco has introduced a draft revision of its family code, marking the first significant update in 20 years. The proposed changes aim to enhance the rights of women and children in the predominantly Islamic nation, Reuters reports.
The reform includes more than 100 amendments. Key proposals involve granting women the right to veto polygamy in marriage contracts, ensuring custodial rights for mothers after divorce and remarriage, and imposing stricter limitations on exceptions for underage marriages.
Divorce proceedings are also set to become faster and more efficient, with Morocco World News reporting that separation cases will now be resolved within a maximum of six months.
Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi also announced changes to inheritance laws, a long-standing demand by women’s rights advocates.
An inheritance rule in Islamic law that grants male heirs twice what female heirs receive will remain unchanged but families will now have the flexibility to gift assets to female heirs.
King Mohammed VI emphasized that the revised family code should uphold "the principles of justice, equality, solidarity, and harmony" while aligning with Islamic teachings and universal values to safeguard the Moroccan family
The proposed amendments must still be submitted to parliament for approval before becoming law.
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