Statement by the Spokesperson on the Legislative Passage of the “Buddhist Women’s Special Marriage Bill” in Myanmar

By European Union External Action • July 8, 2015

The Myanmar Parliament has passed the Buddhist Women’s Special Marriage Bill, the second of four in a package of laws referred to as the “race and religion protection bills”.

The bill discriminates against women by placing restrictions on Buddhist women’s right to marry outside their religion. It discriminates against religious minorities and also non-Buddhist men.
As such it appears not to respect international human rights standards and to run counter to Myanmar’s own human rights treaty obligations.

This and the other three bills in question could further infringe on the rights of marginalised members of ethno-religious minorities and undermine the transition towards national reconciliation and an open democratic society.

The EU continues to support Myanmar as the country strives to strengthen universal human rights, in particular as regards the full enjoyment of human rights for women and persons belonging to minorities, as well as freedom of religion and belief.

Media Contact:

Catherine Ray: +32 498 96 99 21 – +32 2 296 99 21 – [email protected] – @CatherineEUspox

Maja Kocijancic: +32 498 984 425 – +32 2 298 65 70 – [email protected] – @MajaEUspox

Eamonn Prendergast: +32 460 75 32 93 – [email protected]

Tags: ASEAN, Buddhist Women's Special Marriage Bill, EU, European Union External Action, Human Rights

This post is in: Press Release

Statement by the Spokesperson on the Legislative Passage of the “Buddhist Women’s Special Marriage Bill” in Myanmar

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