Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH - The Shoura Council on Monday started deliberations on the report of its Committee of Islamic and Judicial Affairs regarding to the marriage of minors.

In the report, the committee recommended the council that the marriage contract of girls under the age of 18 can not be valid without a decision of the concerned court.

A competent judge should also verify the fulfillment of all necessary conditions for such a marriage as spelled out in the committee’s report, which was read out by Abdul Aziz Isa, chairman of the committee.

Yahya Al-Samaan, assistant president of the council, said that the committee requested the Ministry of Health to ensure that no girl under the age of 18 should be subjected to pre-marital screening without a directive of the competent court.

The report also called on the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance and the Ministry of Culture and Information to create awareness about the demerits of marriage of minors.

The council also decided to constitute a committee to review the proposed draft law to combat beggary.