MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 136, 6 December 1919, Page 7

MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

The Danish Premier, Mr. Zahle, has (writes a Scandinavian correspondent to the Westminster Gazette) recently laid before the Folk r=thing a Bill for the reform of the laws relating to marriage and divorce. Tho Danish Bill was drafted by committees from Denmark, Norway, aud 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 venereal diseases of any kind and epileptics must make known tho 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 seek the blessing of the Church as they desire. As 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. Tho husband _no longer rules. A wife's submission is a thing of the past. Husband and wife 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 disposo 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 wife cannot agree, they may^ appeal to the sheriff or superior magistrate to decide; though, of course, not many appeals of the kind aro expected.

Formerly the property each possessed at marriago was held in common (unless it had been otherwiso arranged), but now each controls his or hor separate fortune, possessed at tho time of tho marriage or accumulated subsequently, though when separation follows the marriage the Bill provides that the aggregate fortunes of both tho parties shall bo equally divided unless the marriago 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 bo granted to one party if the other neglects his (or her) duties, is addicted to drink, or to other serious vices. Furthermore, separation may bo granted when the intercourse between man and wife has been destroyed, as it is not considered justified to uphold such a marriago by statutory provision. Divorco shall always follow separation within a certain time. I£ both are willing, the time-limit is one year. When tho separation has been claimed by tho ono party the divorco shall be granted after two years. Divorce may also be granted (1) when a man and wife because of mutual discrepancy have lived apart from each other for three years; (2) when one party has deserted for two years; (3) when ono of tho parties has disappeared for three years. In tho past when both husband and wile had committed adultery, divorce was refused ; now divorce is allowed. It is recognised that the double ott'enco has only made tho demand for divorce nil the stronger. , • A penalty of at least two years mil>ri«onmenl'givcs tho other party the rightto divorce Other than claims for divorco arc bi,"-my, venereal infection, attempt acainst' a* partner's life, and mcMa\ dippa«e in -cord to the latter, afflict ion must, have lsi(-t!>d for three years prior io tho demand for divorce. . The Bill also provides for the trial 0.. nil matrimonial cb*cb to bo held u> snrocsu, "so, that, scandal and tattle may be avoided."