Laws amended to help protect children

The proposed amendment to the Marriage Act and Matrimonial Causes Act is a way to help protect children in Papua New Guinea.

The Marriage Act will give a clear definition of customary and non-customary marriage and the Matrimonial Causes Act will deal with settling marriage disputes between husband and wife.

Secretary for the Department of Community Development, Youth and Religion Anna Solomon said that the two proposed amendment Acts will also protect children.

Solomon explained that in the marriage act, married couples will have to comply through civil registration office, having only one registered customary marriage but recognition of all the children.

The changes also synchronise the age of a child with the recently enacted Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015 with 18 years the legal age for marriage.

Solomon said, “We have to make sure that we understand PNG and we understand what is affecting many of our families.

“One of the biggest causes when marriages are dissolved is the spouse, especially women, are left vulnerable with their children if they’re unemployed.”

Recognition has been given to the stay home spouse for the courts to consider their contribution in their home, security and to looking after the family as of equal importance to the employed spouse.

Solomon said these are some important areas that have been overlooked over the years.

She confirmed that the proposed amendment acts have been passed by the National Executive Council and will be tabled in Parliament in November.

Author: 
Quintina Naime