MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1919, Page 11

MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE.

PEOPOSED NEW LAW IN DENMARK (From a Scandinavian Correspondent of "The Westminster Gazette.") The Danish Premier, Mr. Zahle, has recently laid before the Folhething a Bill for the reform of the laws relating to marriage and divorce which may be of interest to English readers. The Danish Bill was drafted by committees from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, which in itself is indicative of the cultural unity of Scandinavia. The Bill provides for the complete equality of men and women. Breach of promise is recognised, and there is to be no coercion in marriage. A man may not marry unless he is 21 years of age, no woman before 18, though exceptions may be made in certain cases. Those afflicted with syphilis or lunacy are forbidden to marry, though again there are hedging exceptions. All who suffer or who have suffered from diseases of any kind and epileptics must make known the fact to the other contracting party, and a doctor's instruction is provided for both. The marriage ceremony must be a civil act, leaving those who wish to aeek the blessing of the church as they desireAa the woman is on the same political and municipal level as the man, so the wife is equal to the husband in authority in the family. The husband Ho longer rules. A wife's submission is a thing of the past. Husband and wifo are both bound to support the family. It is expressly emphasised that | the housework of the wife is a contribution to the general fund of the family; the wife has the right to dispose of money for housekeeping and her own personal requirements. As husband and wife are equal, the man no longer has the deciding voice In regard to matters that affect the children. If there are differences, and husband and wile cannot agree, they may appeal to the sheriff or superior magistrate to decide; though, of course, not many appeals of the kind are expected. Formerly the property each possessed at marriage was held in common (unless it had been otherwise arranged), but now each controls his or her separate fortune, possessed at the time of the marriage or accumulated subsequently, though when separation follows the marriage the Bill provides that the aggregate fortunes of both the parties shall be equally divided, unless the marriage contracts forbid it. The Bill tackles the question of divorce with boldness and in a modern spirit. If both parties agree to a separation there is nothing to be said. Separation can be granted to one party if the other neglects his (or her) duties, is addicted to drink, or to other serious vices. Furthermore, separation may be granted when the intercourse between man and wife has been destroyed, as it is not considered justified to uphold such a marriage by statutory provision. Divorce shall always follow separation within a certain time. If both are willing, the time limit is one year. 'When the separation has been claimed by the one party the divorce shall be granted after two years. Divorce may also be granted (1) When a man and wife because of mutual discrepance have lived apart from each other for three years; (2) When one party has deserted for two years; (3) When one of the parties has disappeared for three years. In the past, when both husband and wife had committed adultery divorce was refused; now divorce is allowed. It is recogtiised that the double offence has only made the demand for divorce all the stronger. A penalty of at 'east two years' imprisonment give : .e other party the right to divorce. Other just claims for divorce are bigamy, venereal infection, attempt against a" partner's life, and mental affliction must have lasted for Ihree years prior to the demand for the divorceThe Bill also provides for the trial of all matrimonial cases to be held in camera, so that scandal and tattle »a,y be avoided.