The kingdom’s justice ministry in Saudi Arabia has announced that Saudi brides will now get a copy of their marriage contracts, a privilege that was previously exclusive to men.
According to a directorate issued by the justice minister, Walid al-Samaani, clerks who register marriage contracts will now have to hand a copy to the bride as well as the groom ‘to ensure her awareness of her rights and the terms of the contract’. This decision has been brought about to protect the rights of women and facilitate procedures for them.
The kingdom’s justice ministry has also said that the decision to extend this right took into consideration the fact that a woman would need a copy of her marriage contract in the event of a dispute with her husband during divorce and financial proceedings.