Punjab Assembly committee approves Christian Marriage Bill 2026

The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minorities Affairs has unanimously approved the Christian Marriage Bill 2026. The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Christian Marriage Act 1872 and replace it with a modernized legal framework for the Christian community in Punjab.

A central provision of the bill is the establishment of a minimum marriageable age of 18 years for both men and women. This would replace the current law, which sets the minimum age at 16 for boys and 13 for girls. Additionally, the bill requires both parties in a marriage to identify as Christians.

The legislation introduces formal procedures, including mandatory written notice and public announcements prior to marriage. It also mandates the registration of marriages with both the Union Council and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). Under the new framework, marriages may be solemnized in all registered churches by government-authorized priests or marriage registrars.