The Divorce (Religious Marriages) Act 2002 (c. 27) is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The act amends the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 to allow one party to petition a court to not declare their divorce decree absolute until they have received a similar document from a religion's authority.
Background The need for the legislation was demonstrated in the 2000 divorce case of O v O.O v O (Jurisdiction: Jewish Divorce) 2 FLR 147
Jewish law requires a civil divorce and a Get (religious divorce) for a person to remarry.
Provisions The act allows a civil judge to require that a civil divorce be delayed until a religious divorce has been carried out.
Legislative passage The act was brought before Parliament by Andrew Dismore MP as a private members' bill under the Ten Minute Rule.
Suggested reform Muslim Women’s Network UK has suggested amending the act to include Muslim divorces.
See also Civil recognition of Jewish divorce
References
External links The text of the law as currently in force