Wednesday, October 23, 2002
Fijian’s fearful of new family bill
A story released today by Radio Australia reports that the Fijian
government has moved to allay community concerns about the proposed new
Family Law Bill.
Some people are claiming it encourages same-sex marriage and divorce.
However, Fiji's deputy speaker and chairman of the parliamentary committee,
Rakuita Vakalalabure, says the draft legislation does not make divorce
easier, but rather provides mechanisms for reconciliation between a couple.
Vakalalabure also insists the draft legislation does not allow same-sex
marriages.
He says the draft Family Law Bill has a new provision that will require
women to pay child maintenance to their husbands at separation, and it also
proposes to empower men to claim custody of their children.
