FOR SA - Marriage Bill Update - 09 February 2024

Following extensive public participation and nationwide engagements by the Department of Home Affairs last year, a revised Marriage Bill has been tabled in Parliament.
Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA ) has been closely following this entire process, including making representations to the Department of Home Affairs on the concerns it had with the original draft.
The Bill now expressly protects religious marriage officers from being forced to solemnise marriages against their conscience, religion or belief. However, the problem remains that this conscientious objection right does not extend to ex officio marriage officers - i.e. magistrates and those in the public (state), diplomatic or consular service.
Although we can celebrate that religious marriage officers are now protected, FOR SA will continue to press for the religious freedom right of all marriage officers - including ex officio marriage officers.
Your right to religious freedom is guaranteed to you as an individual. You don't leave it at home when you leave for work, whether you are employed by the State or in the private sector.
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Chapters
0:00 - Introduction
0:50 - Background and purpose of the Marriage Bill
1:45 - Why is FOR SA supportive of the structure of the Marriage Bill?
4:59 - Does the revised version of the Marriage Bill address FOR SA's concerns?
7:48 - What are the other amendments in the revised version of the Marriage Bill?
8:42 - What are the next steps and opportunities for public engagement?
10:02 - How can you follow this and other religious freedom matters?
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Transcript