Resolution Marriage Reform
As adopted by the Congress of Liberal International, Budapest, Hungary 21-23 March 2002
Liberal International is committed to the freedom of the individual as the basis of true democracy, to be exercised freely within the constraints required to respect the freedom of others.
This freedom includes equality between men and women and their equal right to form a family.
Liberal International accordingly rejects all constraints on personal liberty which are incompatible with this commitment.
Liberal International further notes that in many countries marriage regulations continue to constrain the freedom of the individual, notably by:
1. The requirement that marriage is dependent upon the exchange of wealth (whether in the form of dowry or bride price).
2. The requirement in some countries that women leave paid employment on marriage.
3. The requirement that one of the partners must leave the parental home and become a member of the other’s family.
4. Lack of adequate legal status for individuals who form their family in a way which does not conform to a country’s current marriage regulations.
Liberal International accordingly asks all members to consider reviewing their State’s marriage laws and customs, with a view to promoting:
1. Parental commitment to each other and their children with consequent improvements in social stability.
2. Freedom of the individual from outmoded constraints of law or custom.
