PA body approves Christain Marriage Bill
The Punjab Assembly's Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minority Affairs has approved the proposed Christian Marriage Bill 2026, which seeks to replace the Christian Marriage Act of 1872 with a new legal framework governing Christian marriages in the province.
The bill, introduced as a private member's bill by MPA Falbous Christopher, proposes raising the minimum marriage age for Christian men and women to 18 years.
Under the existing law, the minimum age is 16 for boys and 13 for girls.
The proposed legislation would also require both the bride and groom to be Christian for a marriage to be solemnised under the law.
Under the existing framework, only one party is required to be Christian.
A key provision seeks to make registration of Christian marriages with Union Councils and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) mandatory.
The proposed framework also provides procedures for issuing marriage certificates and maintaining official records.
The bill proposes allowing Christian marriages to be solemnised in all churches registered with the Punjab government according to Christian rites.
It also seeks to remove restrictions on the day and time of marriage ceremonies, including the existing restriction on ceremonies after 6pm.
Under the proposed law, pastors who have received religious education and are affiliated with churches registered with the Punjab government would be authorised to solemnise Christian marriages. Government-appointed Marriage Registrars would also have a role under the proposed framework.
The proposed legislation defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, replacing the existing law's reference to marriage between "two persons or parties".
It also lays down procedures for giving notice of an intended marriage, issuing certificates and maintaining marriage records.
Couples would be required to submit prescribed notices containing personal, residential and identification details, along with information about the proposed marriage.
The bill further provides for public display of marriage notices and, where applicable, publication of banns for three consecutive weeks by licensed Christian ministers.
At least one of the intending spouses would be required to declare that there was no lawful impediment to the marriage and that consent had not been obtained through force or coercion.
The proposed procedure also provides for a waiting period before a marriage certificate can be issued.
Where a Marriage Registrar is involved, the proposed law provides for maintaining a Marriage Notice Book that would be open to public inspection.
A person aggrieved by a registrar's refusal to issue a certificate could approach the court under the proposed procedure.
Marriage ministers and registrars would also be required to maintain official records, with certificates and entries signed by the parties, the solemnising official and witnesses. Copies of certificates would be forwarded to the relevant registrar and local government office within the prescribed period.
The bill was first submitted to the Punjab Assembly committee in April as a private member's bill.
It has subsequently undergone consultations and clause-by-clause discussions involving assembly members, church representatives, legal experts and other stakeholders.