President Michel Suleiman stated on Tuesday that officials cannot “turn a blind eye” to couples getting married through civil marriage ceremonies, noting that a draft law on such unions had been devised in the past. He said during a cabinet session at the Baabda Palace: “Failure to tackle draft laws at constitutional institutions is a violation of the Taef Accord.”

 

He remarked that a draft law on civil marriage was devised in the 1950s and later during the tenure of late President Elias al-Hrawi in the 1990s. Moreover, Suleiman noted how young couples have resorted to traveling abroad to get married through civil marriage ceremonies. “This issue should be thoroughly addressed in a manner that does not offend any side,” the president added. [Link]