Court date set for Muslim women’s case
ON THE day before Human Rights Day, a new date was agreed by the parties concerned for the recognition of Muslim marriages class action to heard by the High Court – August 28 has been agreed upon.
A directions hearing was convened by the high court after the judge president ordered the consolidation of a further matter pending before the high court, which similarly highlights the plight of Muslim women.
There are several matters that are pending at a number of courts across the country.
This is testament to the fact that Muslim women are struggling to assert their rights because their Muslim marriages and the consequences arising are not legally recognised.
They have no option but to plead their cases with the courts and the judiciary.
Given the importance of the matter, three judges, namely S Desai, G SalieHlophe and NP Boqwana, have been appointed to hear it.
Monday morning saw women come to the steps of the high court from all over Cape Town to show solidarity and support for this matter. The lived reality of these women is that legal protection has been denied to them for 16 years after the constitution came into force. This results in widespread oppression and gender discrimination in areas such as divorce, the duties of support, parental rights and responsibilities and inheritance. Angie Richardson The press office