China's New Marriage Law Sparks Online Debate

China has introduced a revised draft law to simplify marriage registration and make divorce tougher. Released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the draft aims to build a 'family friendly society' and is open for public feedback until September 11. The move has sparked criticism online.

China has introduced a revised draft law aimed at simplifying marriage registration and making divorce more difficult, a move that has sparked significant online debate. The draft law, designed to foster a 'family friendly society,' was released by China's Ministry of Civil Affairs this week for public feedback and comments, which are being accepted until September 11.

This legislative proposal comes as policymakers grapple with encouraging young couples to marry and have children, amid a declining population for two consecutive years. The new draft law removes previous regional restrictions, allowing marriages to be registered outside of the couple's household registration location.

The draft law also introduces a 30-day cooling-off period for divorce filings, during which either party can withdraw the application, effectively halting the divorce process. This regulation seeks to emphasize the value of marriage and family, mitigate impulsive divorces, maintain social stability, and protect the legitimate rights of the parties involved. According to official data, the number of marriages in China has fallen to a decade-low, reflecting a broader trend of young people delaying marriage due to job insecurity and economic concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)