In a significant legal development, Punjab has decided to reform the centuries-old Christian family laws, with a new bill proposing sweeping changes to the Christian Marriage Act of 1872.
The proposed Christian Marriage Act Bill 2026 aims to introduce fundamental changes to the colonial-era law after more than 150 years. The bill has been submitted in the Punjab Assembly by the chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs through a private member.
One of the most notable changes in the proposed legislation is the revision of the minimum age for marriage. Under the new bill, the minimum age for both men and women in the Christian community will be set at 18 years. Previously, the law allowed marriage at 16 years for boys and as low as 13 years for girls.
Mandatory registration of marriages
The bill also seeks to address longstanding issues related to the legal registration of Christian marriages and divorces. Under the current law, marriages cannot be registered with Union Councils or NADRA, creating legal complications for the community.
The proposed legislation makes it mandatory for all Christian marriages to be registered in Union Council and NADRA records.
According to the proposed bill, marriages must be conducted according to Christian religious procedures in registered churches. It also requires that both the bride and groom must be Christians for the marriage to take place.
Under the existing law, it was sufficient for only one party to be Christian.
Expanded authority for churches, priests
The new bill expands the authority to conduct marriage ceremonies.
Unlike the current law, which limits this authority to the Catholic Church and the Church of England, the proposed law allows all churches registered with the Punjab government to solemnize marriages.
Additionally, priests trained in Christian religious seminaries will also be authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.
Removal of time restrictions
The proposed reforms also remove time limitations on marriage ceremonies. Currently, Christian marriages cannot be performed after 6pm, but the new bill eliminates this restriction, allowing ceremonies at any time or day.
Another key change is the legal definition of marriage. Under the existing law, marriage is defined as a union between two individuals or parties, whereas the proposed bill specifies marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
Longstanding community challenges
The outdated British-era law has long created challenges for the Christian community, particularly due to the lack of formal mechanisms for registering marriages and divorces.
The proposed reforms aim to modernize the legal framework and provide clarity, protection, and legal recognition to Christian marriages in Punjab.
