Muslims Reject Claim of Underage Marriage
18 February 2011
The attention of FIANZ has been drawn to a recent story about underage marriage that is said to be happening in the Muslim community and wish to reject the claim and put the facts straight as follows:
New Zealand Muslims do not condone nor practice such underage marriage and, moreover, the position and instructions of FIANZ Religious Advisors are unequivocal in rejection of such act.
New Zealand law does not allow underage marriage and Muslim marriage celebrants are fully aware and would never associate themselves with such crime.
In the absence of any evidence to the claim in the story, FIANZ cautions those behind it to desist from seeking cheap popularity by associating acts of misdemeanour with the Muslim community who, over the years, have maintained an excellent record as law abiding citizens of this country.
If anyone is breaking the law of the land then relevant authorities should take appropriate action. FIANZ expresses extreme disappoint in outrageous claims of underage marriages in some communities made by some social service providers.
Dr Anwar Ghani, MNZM, JP
President
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