Kenya's Parliament has
approval a bill that makes it legal for men for take multiple wives without getting the approval of their first wife. Female legislators are furious.
Female MPs in Kenya have stormed out of a late-night parliamentary session in a row over the legalisation of polygamy. The law is intended to bring civil law, where a man is only allowed one wife, into line with customary law, where some cultures allow multiple partners. But male MPs voted to amend the new marriage bill to allow men to take as many wives as they like without consulting existing spouses. Traditionally, first wives are supposed to give prior approval. Correspondents say about 30 of Kenya's 69 female MPs were in the 349-member chamber for the debate but were outnumbered by their male counterparts. The women walked out in disgust over the matter.
The bill must be signed by the president to become law.
Labels: Africa, Islam, Kenya, polygamy
