Policy shift at Familieretshuset prohibits referrals for Muslim women seeking divorce assistance at Mariam Mosque in Copenhagen

Employees at Familieretshuset, the Danish Family Law House, are no longer permitted to refer Muslim women to Mariam Mosque in Copenhagen for assistance with exiting Islamic marriage contracts. This policy shift comes as part of new guidelines issued by the agency, which is responsible for legal matters pertaining to family matters, including divorces.

Islamic marriage contracts, while not recognized under Danish law, are signed by some Muslim couples during religious ceremonies and require dissolution through religious authorities for a divorce to be acknowledged within their faith. Typically, the husband must initiate this process. In Denmark, various public authorities have adopted a strict policy of non-involvement in religious divorces due to their lack of legal standing, even in cases involving potential domestic violence.

Social workers face a challenging dilemma when encountering women in perilous marital situations, as they can no longer provide referrals that could help these individuals escape their circumstances. Sherin Khankan, an imam at Mariam Mosque, has facilitated 168 Islamic divorces since 2016 and emphasizes the importance of addressing the psychological and spiritual dimensions of such dissolutions.

Critics argue that completely severing ties with religious authorities overlooks a significant need for support among these women. Although the legal framework for marriage in Denmark terminates upon civil divorce, many still seek the religious validation of their separation, which remains crucial for their sense of freedom. Advocates believe that a cooperative approach integrating legal and religious assistance is necessary to genuinely support women seeking freedom from manipulative marital relationships.