A landmark private member bill has been received by the Punjab Assembly seeking to reform the Christian Marriage Act 1872. This offers to bring long-awaited relief to millions of Christian families.
The bill was submitted by Philobus Christopher who is the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs. The name of the proposed bill is the Christian Marriage Act Bill 2026.
The bill introduces sweeping changes to address administrative and legal challenges under the colonial-era law.
The proposed law suggests key reforms
The minimum age for marriage will be set for both women and men at 18 years old. It will replace the outdated provisions which allowed marriage for girls at 13 years old and for boys at 16 years old.
It will also mandate that both groom and bride must be Christian. It revises the earlier rule that would permit marriages if only one party belong to the faith.
Legal Protection and Mandatory Registration
According to the bill Christian marriages will be legally registered with Union Councils and the National Database Registration Authority. This will ensure improved access to legal rights, official documentation, identification services and inheritance.
Churches Authority will be expanded
The bill will also allow all government registered churches to conduct marriages. This will expand authority beyond traditional institutions such as the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
The ceremonies will be conducted by qualified pastors from recognised seminaries.
Outdated Restrictions removed
The proposed law also seeks to remove other provisions including the ban on weddings after 6 pm. This will allow Christians to conduct the ceremony whenever possible.
The proposal also seeks to define the marriage as a union between a woman and a man replacing the ambiguity in the existing law.
Also read: 13-year-old Christian domestic worker reportedly tortured in Lahore
