Women Shoura members exerted their influence in the Council’s discussions about a bill regulating marriage.
Thoraya Obaid, a Shoura member, described the draft law as “prejudiced and unfair” to women, noting that under this proposal, she would not be able to grant her daughters the Saudi nationality.
“The regulation discusses marriage in itself, but not the many rights that should be granted to children such as education, travel arrangements of children with their non-Saudi father and the right of women to grant citizenship to her children,” she said. She demanded that “the complaints of Saudi women marrying non-Saudis should be met with, so they can grant citizenship to their children.”
Wafa Abu Tebah, another Shoura member, asked for an amendment of a paragraph concerning the treatment of the children of Saudi women who are married to non-Saudis in all levels of education and scholarships.
To the demand of other members to eliminate the condition stipulating a maximum age difference of 25 years, council member Naser Al-Musa said there is no religious or scientific foundation for it.
“If the committee insists on this condition, it should be applied to marriages between Saudi nationals as well,” Al-Musa said.
Saleh Al-Hussaini, another member, said that article nine of the draft is unfair. The article deals with economic sanctions on Saudi nationals marrying non-Saudis, by denying them government loans, investment opportunities and marriage loans.
“How can we deny a citizen his rights while foreign investors enjoy all privileges granted for citizens,” asked Al-Hussaini.
Amendments to marriage bill urged
