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by pltm
(PLTM) - With new amendments to the Marriage Act, which now enable couples to receive a marriage license the same day, one member of the clergy has stated that he hopes individuals will do proper research and consultation before tying the knot.
The Marriage (Amendment) Act 2017, was passed in the House of Assembly last week. Among other things, it enables couples to receive a marriage license the same day, as opposed to what currently applies, where a marriage license takes a working day to process.
Senior Pastor of the New Life Baptist Church, Bishop John Cline said the law will make the BVI more attractive to visitors and will no doubt bring benefits to the Territory.
However, he said the institution of marriage requires serious consultation, adding that he hopes individuals don't use the law to get married on short notice without doing proper checks.
"The decision to be married is such a serious decision, I would hope that those making such decision would have the necessary guidance, consideration and advice in helping them to get to that point," Bishop Cline cautioned.
The new changes are expected to bring revenue from tourism, as it will allow visitors to get married aboard cruise ships docked in the BVI's waters.
Bishop Cline admitted that the new changes have good economic potential, but added that it has deep spiritual implications if persons misuse it.
"This is something that they do in Las Vegas and other places like South America, so I guess it's a revenue-generator. If you look at it from that standpoint then fine, but if you look at it from a spiritual standpoint, I would only hope that great consideration is given before something like that," Bishop Cline added.
Despite his warning, Bishop Cline said he has seen successful marriages between persons who did not know each other for a long time before tying the knot.
Further, he said issuing marriage licenses the same day does not break the moral code of the society, but he maintained that the law should not be used as an excuse to rush into marriages.
Fahie Raised Similar Concern
Bishop Cline's warning was also echoed by Opposition Leader, Hon. Andrew Fahie, when the bill was being passed in the House of Assembly last week.
Hon. Fahie advised individuals to take time to know each other instead of rushing to get married on short notice.
"I hope that nobody just don't jump up and try to get married in one day. But to each his own. I can't live everybody's life, this is the advice and hopefully you take it," Hon. Fahie said.
The Marriage (Amendment) Act 2017 also amends section 36 of the Principal Act, thereby reducing the residence requirement for marriages from one day to same day, in respect of special marriage license.
It also reduces the age of consent from 21 to 18, but explicitly states that persons cannot marry children.
