Nikah Ceremonies in the UK: a Tool for Empowerment?

Abstract

This chapter engages with the issue of polygyny and religious-only marriages. It focusses on women who voluntarily opt for non-legally recognised marriages and proposes solutions which respect women’s autonomy in relationship decision making, while offering legal protections to those who are vulnerable. It proposes legal recognition of religious ceremonies of marriage with a mutual ‘opt-out’ provision allowing couples to choose to place themselves outside of family law provisions.