THE MARRIAGE LAWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22421, 16 November 1934, Page 9

THE MARRIAGE LAWS

PROPOSED AMENDMENT HOUSE OF LORDS DISCUSSION LONDON, November 14. (Received Nov. 15, at 5.5 p.m.) In the House of Lords Lord Kilmaine moved that the House was in favour of an amendment to the marriage laws to make it obligatory on both parties to a. proposed marriage to produce medical certificates of fitness, and that doctors much issue one of four certificates; First, “all clear”; secondly, the marriage should he delayed; thirdly, the marriage must he childless; and fourthly, total prohibition of the marriage as dangerous both to the parties and possible children. The Archbishop of Canterbury said the motion put a great responsibility on doctors and the clergy, . House ought not to give a lead by passing the motion. ■ Viscount Gage, replying, said that the Ministry of Health felt that there was sufficient opportunity to test public opinion with reference to the recent report on sterilisation, which was now being considered by many bodies. Beyond that they could not go. It was necessary in such a delicate matter to carry the public with them every step, and it would be disastrous to go as far as Lord KHmaine proposed without more evidence of public and medical support. Lord Kilmaine withdrew the motion.