France: Muslim Annulment Overturned

November 17, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: The New York Times

Wire Service: AP

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/18/world/europe/18briefs-MUSLIMANNULM_BRF.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail0=y

A French appeals court on Monday reinstated the marriage of a Muslim man who had sought an annulment because his bride had lied about being a virgin. The husband sought an annulment after discovering on his wedding night in 2006 that his bride was not a virgin. In April, a court in Douai granted the annulment, citing breach of contract. The decision on Monday reversed that ruling, which had become a flashpoint in the tension between the nation’s secular values and the traditions of its immigrant communities. The couple may now seek a divorce.