High Graphics | BBC SPORT>>
Front Page |
World |
UK |
UK Politics |
Business |
Sci/Tech |
Health |
Education |
Entertainment |
Talking Point |
AudioVideo |
World Contents:
Africa |
Americas |
Asia-Pacific |
Europe |
Middle East |
South Asia |
From Our Own Correspondent |
Letter From America |
Monday, 13 May, 2002, 15:08 GMT 16:08 UK
Jordan woman 'wins right to divorce'
Women cannot divorce in most Muslim countries
A Jordanian woman has reportedly won the right to divorce her husband, in the first such court ruling under a new law.
The unidentified woman has been married for three years to a
man she claims to "hate", according to Jordanian newspaper Al-Arab Al-Yawm.
Like most Islamic countries, Jordan's legal system only used to allow men to file for divorce, but a new law which came into effect earlier this year gave women the same right.
The woman filed for divorce shortly after the law was passed, according to the report.
In line with the new legislation, she first had to forfeit any right to financial compensation.
This included a dowry she had received from her husband at the
time of their marriage, the newspaper said.
Improving women's status
The court tried to reconcile the couple but finally bowed to the
woman's request in line with the new legislation.
The amended law states that a judge can order a divorce if
the woman says "she can no longer live with her husband".
The changes were based on a proposal by a royal human rights
commission set up in 2000.
The commission was set up by King Abdullah, who pledged to improve
the status of Jordanian women when he came to power in 1999.
Correspondents say that since the new law came into force, at least 50 women have filed for divorce.
Related to this story:
Country profile: Jordan
(12 Mar 02 | Country profiles)
Profile: King Abdullah of Jordan
(02 Nov 01 | Middle East)
Jordan women seek jail 'sanctuary'
(07 Jul 00 | Middle East)
Jordanian women killed 'for honour'
(24 Apr 00 | Middle East)
Battle of the sexualities
(26 Jun 00 | Middle East)
Internet links:
King Abdullah |
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
High Graphics | BBC SPORT>>
Front Page |
World |
UK |
UK Politics |
Business |
Sci/Tech |
Health |
Education |
Entertainment |
Talking Point |
AudioVideo |
World Contents:
Africa |
Americas |
Asia-Pacific |
Europe |
Middle East |
South Asia |
From Our Own Correspondent |
Letter From America |
Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | ©