Civil marriage has been banned in Lebanon since forever, thanks to sectarianism and politics. That's why you've probably attended weddings in Cyprus or heard about couples from different religious backgrounds eloping only to come back to meet angry family members and register their marriage as a foreign one.
Civil marriage is the only option for couples that don't wish to convert. But unfortunately for them, it's totally unacceptable, banned, and in many cases just the thought of it is frowned upon in Lebanon. That's why Cyprus finds its economy booming every summer and other times of the year. Lebanese from different religious backgrounds, with or without their families' consent, that want to tie the knot, hop on flights to Cyprus, and dump their money into resorts, hotels, and wedding venues, before coming back to register their marriage.
When it comes to parents, extended family, and future children, the whole predicament can be quite a pain. So wouldn't it be a relief if Lebanon decided to allow civil marriage to take place here? Is it too much to ask?
Last week, Lebanese gathered to protest legalizing civil marriage in Lebanon. Following Interior Minister Raya El Hassan's announcement to discuss the matter, protestors gathered near Sanayeh Garden, in front of the Interior Ministry. Hassan's goal is to open doors for acceptable civil marriage in Lebanon, relieving couples of the hassle of traveling to neighboring Cyprus to wed. However, Sunni and Shiite authorities aren't on board.
We asked random people what they thought of the issue. Here's what they had to say:
"I'm not from Lebanon and I respect your country and all but I find it a little strange that you're still behind the times."
- Jason, 32
"My mom is Muslim and my dad was Druze until he converted to marry my mom. I currently don't have a religion listed on my ID. I like that my parents are from completely different backgrounds. My dad encourages me to have a civil marriage when the time comes and they're both open to me dating anyone regardless of religion."
- Celine, 24
"Civil marriage? You're joking right. I'm Sunni, my wife is Sunni, and so are my kids. I wouldn't have it any other way!"
- Mouhammad, 63
"I'm Christian and my husband is Druze. We fell in love during university and against our parents' wishes we eloped in Cyprus a few years ago. It took them months after that to look us in the face again."
- Anonymous, 29
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