China has introduced a revised draft law aimed at simplifying marriage registration while making divorce more challenging, igniting widespread debate across the country. Released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the draft law is designed to foster a ‘family friendly society’ and is open for public feedback until September 11.
This legislative move comes as China faces a significant demographic challenge, with its population declining for two consecutive years. Policymakers are increasingly focused on encouraging young couples to marry and have children to counteract this trend.
The new draft law seeks to remove previous regional restrictions, allowing marriages to be registered outside of the couple’s household registration location, making the process more accessible.
One of the most controversial aspects of the draft law is the introduction of a 30-day cooling-off period for divorce filings. During this period, either party can withdraw the application, effectively halting the divorce process. The regulation aims to emphasize the value of marriage and family, mitigate impulsive divorces, and maintain social stability.
“The cooling-off period is intended to protect the legitimate rights of the parties involved and give couples time to reconsider their decision,” a representative from the Ministry of Civil Affairs stated.
However, this provision has sparked significant criticism online. Many argue that it could trap individuals in unhappy or even abusive marriages.
“This law prioritizes the institution of marriage over individual happiness and safety,” commented one user on Weibo, a popular social media platform in China.
The draft law also reflects broader societal concerns, as the number of marriages in China has fallen to a decade-low. Young people are increasingly delaying marriage due to job insecurity and economic concerns, leading to fears about the country’s future population growth.
