44-years after, Tunisia abolishes ban on Muslim women marrying non-Muslims

A 44-year-old ban which prohibited Muslim women in Tunisia, from marrying non-Muslims has been abolished. This was disclosed by the country’s presidency spokeswoman Saida Garrach, who wrote on Facebook;

“Congratulations to the women of Tunisia for the enshrinement of the right to the freedom to choose one’s spouse.”

The announcement comes a month after President Beji Caid Essebsi called for the government to scrap the ban dating back to 1973, as it was gathered that before now, a non-Muslim man who wished to marry a Tunisian woman had to convert to Islam and submit a certificate of his conversion as proof.
AFP reports that President Beji Caid Essebsi in a speech last month, during celebrations of the National Women’s day, said the marriage law was “an obstacle to the freedom of choice of the spouse”.
Tunisia, which is 99% Muslim, is viewed as one of the most progressive Arab countries in terms of women’s rights, but there is still discrimination particularly in matters of inheritance.