Equal and Free?

We are fortunate to live in a democracy that enshrines the principle of equality before the law. But many women in the UK today are simply not experiencing the rights to which they are entitled.

They are not treated equally and they are not living freely.

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In Parliament

On 19 July 2022, a Bill was re-introduced into the House of Lords to improve Muslim women’s access to marital rights and benefits.

The Bill – introduced by Crossbench Peer Baroness Cox – is entitled the Marriage Act 1949 (Amendment) Bill.

"We cannot continue with the present situation in which so many women are suffering in ways that would make the heroines of the suffragette movement turn in their graves."

- Baroness Cox

More Information Track the Bill's Progress

Baroness Cox’s Private Member’s Bill seeks to protect British women in polygamous households or those who have had a religious-only marriage, to find upon divorce they have little to no rights in terms of finance or property.

It amends Section 75 of the Marriage Act to create an offence of purporting to solemnise an unregistered marriage.

Why support Equal and Free?

Protecting the vulnerable

The suffering of women oppressed by religiously-sanctioned gender discrimination is unacceptable in the UK today.

Promoting the law

The emergence of an alternative quasi-legal system undermines the fundamental principle of one law for all.

Confronting intimidation

Victims of abuse mustn’t avoid seeking professional help just because doing so might be deemed to bring ‘shame’ on their family.

Outlining rights

Women in polygamous households or those who have had a religious marriage must be made aware of their legal rights under English law.

Case Studies

Equal and Free is proud to work alongside women who have suffered various forms of religiously-sanctioned gender discrimination.

Read Case Studies

Timeline

While consecutive debates within the Houses of Parliament have sought to expose the often deeply humiliating, and totally unacceptable cases of gender discrimination, the Government has so-far failed to provide an adequate response.

Read the Debates

Resources

Includes evidence from victims of abuse, statements from women’s rights organisations and summaries of the provisions of the Marriage Act 1949 (Amendment) Bill.

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