"Some Tunisians support customary marriage," he said. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. Four good reasons to indulge in cryptocurrency! Tunisian actors (L to R) Rim Riahi, Fethi Haddaoui, and Ahlam Fekih look on during the filming of the Tunisian television series "Baraa" (innocence) in the capital Tunis on De, By using this website, you agree with our use of cookies to improve its performance and enhance your user experience. Jouil added that many Tunisians happily discuss such issues in private but are angered when they are aired in public - where commentators are "instrumentalising" the issue for political gain. The NGO has called for the intervention of the Tunisian High Audiovisual Authority (Haica), a body that controls media content. Tunisia became the first Arab state to formally abolish polygamy in 1956,[1] the same year it gained official independence. "The over-reactions to the series are trying to convince people that everything related to Islam is backwards," the 28-year-old said. A group of Tunisian women have used social media sites to call for a protest demanding polygamy. In practice, judges give less than 5 years of imprisonment. The group has urged the country's broadcast regulator to take the programme off the air. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP), A surgery team operates on a child rescued from the rubble of a building at a hospital in the town of Harim in Syria's rebel-held northwestern Idlib province. The group has urged the country's broadcast regulator to take the programme off the air. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months. A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago. Intimate in-person access to policy and business VIPs. He added that he is also calling for a review of all articles of the Personal Status Code a set of laws that stipulate the rights and freedoms of women in Tunisia and not only the article relating to polygamy. Talking about polygamy and Orfi marriage does not threaten the profits women have made, he told AFP. The sociologist denounces "a stupid instrumentalisation to gain political points". She claimed that it also indicates a lack of awareness among those who ask for it, adding that it will not affect the way of life of Tunisian society or the achievements of Tunisian women. . He added that "the protest is not linked to any political entity and is not led by any associations". "The over-reactions to the series are trying to convince people that everything related to Islam is backwards," the 28-year-old said. Tunisia . PESCO, enacted five months after the country`s independence, is groundbreaking legislation that grants Tunisian women unprecedented rights in the Arab world. The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore. "It's not the role of drama to present a positive image of society. Most often asked questions related to bitcoin! After Islamist movements grew following the 2011 revolt, "religious marriage became more common" particularly among university students looking for "halal" sex, he added. According to the latest report published by the National Office for Family and Population in December 2017, Tunisia is one of the countries with the highest rate of reluctance to get married, with figures standing at 60 per cent much higher than the ratios of other Arab countries. By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy. 202120748H. The PDL also blames Ennahdha, politically dominant after the 2011 revolt, for a rise in "crimes" under the family code and has frequently called for its rival to be dissolved. Moreover, the freedom of speech that came with the end of Ben Ali's dictatorship allowed people in favour of such practices to openly say so. The main reason polygamy is legal in these countries is because the husband is responsible for providing for all of his wives and their children. You have reached your limit of subscriber-only articles this month. The justice ministry said courts examined 1,718 cases of orfi marriage between 2015 and 2020 in the country of 12 million people. Tunisia remains one of the few predominantly Muslim nations that has legally banned polygamy. Al-Zghal has stressed in previous press statements that the women will participate in the demonstration to express their anger at the failure of Tunisia to allow polygamy. The author describes the obstacles to the effective practice of this civil law and to the building of democracy in the family. Both practices are punishable by up to a year in prison under the country's 1956 family code. Sociologist Foued Ghorbali said that while the subject remains taboo, polygamy remains a problem in Tunisia. By Achraf OUERGHEMMI (AFP) A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago. Join over 50,000 readers who access our journalists dedicated newsletters, covering the top political, security, business and tech issues across the region each week.Delivered straight to your inbox. The strongly secular Free Destourian Party (PDL) founded by one-time members of Ben Ali's ruling party has been one of the loudest voices against "Baraa", saying that "putting these questions back on the table is out of the question" and an affront to women's dignity. The freedom of expression acquired after the 2011 Revolution has even encouraged some to call for the return of polygamy, including a collective of women who organised a demonstration in early 2018. Sociologist Foued Ghorbali said that while the subject remains taboo, polygamy is still an issue in Tunisia. Tunis is 68.82% less expensive than New York (without rent). Moreover, the freedom of speech that came with the end of Ben Ali's dictatorship allowed people in favour of such practices to openly say so. The country banned polygamy as early as 1956, distinguishing itself from other Muslim-majority countries. The significant role played by bitcoin for businesses! The conversion process can take three months or longer. "The over-reactions to the series are trying to convince people that everything related to Islam is backwards," the 28-year-old said. Only civil marriage is recognised by law. Rights group Aswat Nissa ("Women's Voices") said polygamy and customary marriage were "forms of violence against women" and that discussing them "normalises a culture of impunity". This study intends to describe polygamous laws in Muslim countries such as Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. "Talking about polygamy and orfi marriage doesn't threaten the gains that women have made," he told AFP. She claimed that it also "indicates a lack of awareness of those who demand it," adding that "this will not affect the lifestyle of Tunisian society or the achievements of Tunisian women". Sociologist Foued Ghorbali said that while the subject remains taboo, polygamy is still an issue in Tunisia. "Baraa" (Arabic for "innocence") has also been criticised by rights activists and secular politicians for its portrayal of customary "orfi" marriage, religious unions not sanctioned by the state. The abolition of the decree may not remove the cultural and traditional barriers women face when interfaith marriage in their families, but it now offers Tunisian women greater freedom of choice from a legal perspective. The freedom of expression gained after the 2011 revolution even encouraged some to call for the return of polygamy, including a women`s collective that organized a protest in early 2018. Meanwhile the Head of the National Union of Tunisian Women, Radhia Djerbi, said in a statement to Alkhaleej Online that the articles of the Personal Status Code were approved by the Tunisian Constitution and cannot be amended through protest. The PDL also blames Ennahdha, politically dominant after the 2011 revolt, for a rise in "crimes" under the family code and has frequently called for its rival to be dissolved. Tunisia's 2011 revolt, which overthrew Bourguiba's successor Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, brought in a parliamentary system ideologically divided between secularists and Islamist-leaning parties such as Ennahdha. Polygamy and customary marriage are "forms of violence against women" and their evocation "normalises the culture of impunity", says the organisation Aswat Nissa (Voice of Women) on its Facebook page. According to a recent report by Tunisias National Office for Family and Population, the country has one of the highest number of single women in the Arab world. Business and policy professionals use PRO to monitor the regional economy and improve their reports, memos and presentations. The birth of a child in Tunisia is an important time in the life of the Tunisian family. Tunisia's 2011 revolt, which overthrew Bourguiba's successor Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, brought in a parliamentary system ideologically divided between secularists and Islamist-leaning parties such as Ennahdha. polygamy is still an issue in . "Baraa" (Arabic for "innocence . Divorce in Tunisia is a civil matter.At present the Code of Personal Status sets out three grounds for divorce: How long does it take to get married in Tunisia? Thank you for subscribing our enewsletter. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The calls for a demonstration have sparked debate about the issue of polygamy, which is rejected by the majority of Tunisians but supported by a minority on the pretext of following Sharia law. "It's not the role of drama to present a positive image of society. Tunis, Tunisia, differentiates itself with low living costs. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. After the rise of Islamist movements following the fall of the regime of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, according to the expert, "religious marriage has spread in academic circles", especially among students who resort to it to live as a couple with religious validation. Its supporters, such as Archbishop Gabriel Roric of the Reformed Episcopal Church (an Anglican denomination), however, maintain polygamy is a source of "African pride," saying those who opposed it were misguided by the western world's approaches to marriage. [26] Use of Maslahah Another basis for the abolishment of polygyny lies in the jurisprudential concept of maslahah. Polygamy is a taboo issue in Tunisia and a crime punishable by law, under Article 18 of the Personal Status Code. -Tunisia-Turkey-Iran-Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-UAE. Another activist, Raouf Al-Guizani, described this demand as "electoral begging" aimed at distorting Ennahda. In practice, a polygamous union is in most cases limited to two women per couple. Tunisia remains one of the few predominantly Muslim nations that has legally banned polygamy. Post-independence leader Habib Bourguiba outlawed polygamy in the family code passed just five months after the country's 1956 independence from France, a piece of legislation that was nothing short of revolutionary in the Arab world at the time. You will get the updates within 24 hours. Such controversies ought to be reflected in the arts, Ghorbali said. As a result of the abuse or injury of one spouse by the other. In current times, Tunisia is still one of the very few predominantly Islamic nations that has legally banned polygamy. TUNIS (AFP) - A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago. This places Tunisia as one of the worst divorce centres in the Arab world. Free shipping for many products! Tunisia's 2011 revolt, which overthrew Bourguiba's successor Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, brought in a parliamentary system ideologically divided between secularists and Islamist-leaning parties such as Ennahdha. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Tunisia became the first Arab state to formally abolish polygamy in 1956,[1] the same year it gained official independence. Adel Elmi, head of the Tunisian Moderate Association for Awareness and Reform, formerly known as the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, said in a Wednesday radio statement that marriage laws ought to be modified. Read: Tunisia cabinet approves equal inheritance law. The PDL also blames Ennahdha, politically dominant after the 2011 revolt, for a rise in "crimes" under the family code and has frequently called for its rival to be dissolved. A TV series on polygamy broadcast during Ramadan is causing controversy in Tunisia, a pioneering Arab country on women's rights, where multiple unions have been banned for decades. A group of Tunisian women took to social media to call for a protest against polygamy. A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago. In early 2018, a group of women held a protest to demand the re-legalisation of polygamy. Women-led anthology series 'Roar' , tells feminist fables https://t.co/WHRlDhWjIB. In early 2018, a group of women held a protest to demand the re-legalisation of polygamy. The Personal Status Code passed in 1956 by late Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba prohibited polygamy, raised the age of marriage for girls to 17 years old, facilitated womens ability to obtain divorce in court, and banned forced marriages for minor girls. TUNIS - A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago. Keywords: Dynamics, Gender, Polygamy Law, Tunisia One of phenomenon were risen in the Muslim world in the 20 th century was the existence of the family law reforms which is The series, aired at prime time after observant Muslims break their daytime fast, has sparked a backlash on social media. This includes reviewing unfair divorce procedures and abolishing the principle of adoption because it is contrary to Sharia law. Tunisia has some of the strongest womens rights laws in the Middle East. "It's not the role of drama to present a positive image of society. It can show a point of view or phenomena in society that could be a subject of debate," he said. However, a group of women have taken to social media to call for a protest to be held in front of parliament to demand polygamy. But sociologist Mohamed Jouil said the series does "not necessarily reflect Tunisian society". All premium Industry Newsletters - Monitor the Middle East's most important industries. Join the Middle East's top business and policy professionals to access exclusive PRO insights today. Sociologist Mohamed Jouili is reassuring: the series "is a work of dramatic art that does not systematically reflect Tunisian society. "Baraa" (Arabic for "innocence") has also been criticized by rights activists and secular politicians for its portrayal of customary "orfi" marriage, religious unions not sanctioned by the state. The PDL also blames Ennahdha, politically dominant after the 2011 revolt, for a rise in "crimes" under the family code and has frequently called for its rival to be dissolved. Tunisia is a unique example because, unlike Turkey's ban on polygyny (which stemmed from the secularisation of the legal system), Tunisian law was the first prohibition that used a fundamental Quranic precept in its legal reasoning. Post-independence leader Habib Bourguiba outlawed polygamy in the family code passed just five months after the country's 1956 independence from France, a piece of legislation that was nothing short of revolutionary in the Arab world at the time. In general, the provisions (legislation) relating to family law in modern Muslim countries are linked to polygamous rules, something that can be classified into three. Tunisia has some of the strongest women's rights laws in the Middle East. The strongly secular Free Destourian Party (PDL) founded by one-time members of Ben Ali's ruling party has been one of the loudest voices against "Baraa", saying that "putting these questions back on the table is out of the question" and an affront to women's dignity. For the LDP, "these crimes" (polygamy and customary marriage, editor's note), punishable by one year's imprisonment, have reappeared in Tunisian society since the Islamist-inspired party Ennahdha came to power in 2011. "Talking about polygamy and orfi marriage doesn't threaten the gains that women have made," he told AFP. But in one episode, the series' main character, Wannas, declares to his wife and children that he has the right to marry a second woman under Islamic law, which "trumps all other laws". Both practices are punishable by up to a year in prison under the country's 1956 family code. It also changed the law so that divorce cases had to go through the courts, meaning a husband could no longer simply declare a marriage over. Only civil marriage is recognized by law. In current times, Tunisia is still one of the very few predominantly Islamic nations that has legally banned polygamy, another notable nation being Turkey . Al-Zghal said in a statement to Al-Khaleej Online that he did not call for the demonstration himself, but supports the idea because he believes there is a need to find a solution to the dilemma of spinsterhood. Rights group Aswat Nissa ("Women's Voices") said polygamy and customary marriage were "forms of violence against women" and that discussing them "normalises a culture of impunity". After Islamist movements grew following the 2011 revolt, "religious marriage became more common" particularly among university students looking for "halal" sex, he added. Turkey banned the practice in 1926, while the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq banned polygamy in 2008. Turkey banned the practice in 1926, while the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq banned polygamy in 2008. The gift link for this subscriber-only article has expired. A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago. Such controversies ought to be reflected in the arts, Ghorbali said. driven curation of top business stories accross 12 industries in the region. Djerbi considered calls for protests demanding polygamy to be "a form of madness, a pathological phenomenon. Demographics . Tunisia was the first Arab state to officially abolish polygamy in 1956, [1] [2] the same year of its official independence. Can you have 4 wives in Tunisia? Summary about cost of living in Tunis, Tunisia: A single person estimated monthly costs are 400$ (1,116DT) without rent. But in one episode, the series' main character, Wannas, declares to his wife and children that he has the right to marry a second woman under Islamic law, which "trumps all other laws". . Inizia a scrivere il termine ricerca qua sopra e premi invio per iniziare la ricerca. The Personal Status Act of 1956 allows women to freely and personally consent to their marriage, sets the minimum age of marriage for women over 17 years of age, requires a medical certificate before marriage and allows a woman to consent to the marriage of her children if they are minors. He added that he also calls for a revision of all articles of the personal status law a set of laws that establish women`s rights and freedoms in Tunisia and not just the article on polygamy. Moreover, the freedom of speech that came with the end of Ben Ali's dictatorship allowed people in favour of such practices to openly say so. The main character of the series "Baraa" (Innocence), Wannas, beats a rosary and demands, from the third episode onwards, to be united with a second wife. See also 2023 Bangkok Post Public Company Limited. Oops, this content can't be loadedbecause you're having connectivity problems, Stay always informed and up to date with our breaking news alerts, Polygamy for Tunisia? Special Events - Intimate in-person events with business & political VIPs. In the United States, polygamy is only legal in the state of Utah. But sociologist Mohamed Jouil said the series does "not necessarily reflect Tunisian society". Almost half of all university students are women. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Adultery is a crime punishable by law for both spouses 7. dinars. Prioritize your target industries for weekly review: We also offer team plans. "Baraa" (Arabic . Foreigners wishing to live in Tunisia without gainful employment, such as tourists, may stay in Tunisia for 3 months (90 days) or 4 months (120 days) without a permit. After Islamist movements grew following the 2011 revolt, "religious marriage became more common" particularly among university students looking for "halal" sex, he added. 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