Some forces want to take us back to Byzantium times

AKEL on Family Law “modernization”

Statement by Aristos Damianou, AKEL Political Bureau member and MP

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 13 February 2019, Nicosia

All developed European states that respect their citizens, incorporate two fundamental principles and values into their constitutions and laws: the respect for diversity and multiculturalism.

This is 2019 and we are discussing a comprehensive reform of Cyprus Family Law, but the Minister of Justice and Public Order wants to maintain an outdated system on the issuing of divorce. More specifically, as a captive of the promises he made on behalf of the Anastasiades-DISY government to the Archdiocese and the Church of Cyprus, he is promoting through a draft constitutional amendment, which will allow as reasons for a divorce only those permitted by the Church, and in particular for those who believe in orthodox dogmas. In other words, the Armenians, the Maronites, the Latins, the Turkish Cypriots, the thousands of Community and third-country nationals who get married in Cyprus, as well as those of our fellow citizens who are not religious, to get a divorce should adopt the Charter of the Church of Cyprus which incidentally has been abolished. This is considered as “modernization” by a government and a ruling party, which declares that it is “modern” and “European”.

We have repeatedly discussed the matter with the Minister of Justice and we strongly believe that the reform of Family Law that is indeed necessary and has been long overdue must take society one step ahead and not lead to a setback.

As AKEL, through our Parliamentary Group, we have already tabled proposals on all the bills and we shall try to make changes that respect citizens’ rights, without any discrimination on the basis of ethnic origin, religion or other beliefs because we believe in the modernization and progress of Cypriot society. We live in a time when the constitutions of states are characterized by religious neutrality. Some forces and circles want to take us back to Byzantium times.

Today, we have begun in the relevant Parliamentary Committee to examine the first of a series of bills regulating parent-child relationships. Unfortunately, serious gaps and weaknesses have been identified. The debate will continue.