2 Countries in The World Where Divorce Is Illegal-Check Out

They say it’s easier to get married than to get out of marriage. While marriage is one of the most crucial bonds two people can take part in, divorce laws have been revised in some countries to not only make divorce legal, but also, a speedier and less daunting process.

However, no matter how much has changed over the course of human history, there is still countries where divorce is not legal and where ’till death do us part’ remains a rule.

Every nation in the world allows its citizens to divorce under some conditions for instance in Ghana except the Philippines and the Vatican City in Italy.

-Grounds for Divorce in Ghana

The Matrimonial Causes Act, 1971 (Act 367), governs the current law on divorce in Ghana. The law provides that a petition for divorce may be presented to the Court by either party to a marriage. However, the Petitioner of the divorce, i.e. the person who starts the proceedings must be able to provide evidence to the effect that the marriage has broken down beyond reconciliation. This is the sole ground for divorce. That notwithstanding this sole ground must be evidenced by proof of one of the following:



• Adultery
• Unreasonable Behavior
• Desertion
• Separation with consent for two (2) years
• Five years of Separation

Every nation in the world allows its residents to divorce under some conditions except the Philippines (though Muslims in the Philippines have the right to divorce) and the Vatican City which have no procedure for divorce.

According to the BBC, over 80% of the Philippines’ population is Roman Catholic, “and the church has a powerful influence in the country.” However, the country’s Muslim minority is allowed to divorce, in accordance with their law (Sharia law), but for the majority, there is no such opportunity.

According to the Philippine Statistic Authority, one in four married women in the country has been assaulted by their partner, and “spousal violence is the most common form of violence experienced by women ages 15 and 49,” ABC reports.

Annulment cases can take up to ten years, and even the quickest proceedings produce legal fees equivalent to about 50% of the average Filipino worker’s annual income - meaning it simply is not an option for poorer families. The week.co website reports.

Thousands of couples stuck in failed marriages have been waiting for years for the Philippines to pass a divorce law as they are still condemned to unhappily married and frustrated until death separate them.

The situation is especially unbearable for Filipinos women trapped in toxic relationships or victims of spousal abuse marriages with no way out. By not recognising a right for divorce, it is really hell for those who would like to move forward into new relationships.

Adultery is also criminalised in the Philippines, with married women able to face up to six years in jail, and men up to four.

Through this article, we want you to know that ending an unhappy marriage is still not possible everywhere in the world.

By: Michael Djan
French Tutor and Digital Marketing Blogger/Content Writer and GhanaWeb Professional Reporter/ frencheducationgh.com