ZBC|Religious leaders in Mashonaland Central have called for extensive consultations before passing the Marriage Bill into law.

The men of cloth condemned Section 40 of the proposed bill describing it as an attack on the marriage institution which will lead to domestic violence and an increase in sexually transmitted infections.

Pastors who converged in Bindura under the Auspices of Courtship and Marriage Foundation (COMAFO) welcomed the Marriage Bill for recognising property rights but expressed reservations over certain grey areas which they view as legalising adultery and threatening the stability of the family institution.

Section 40 of the proposed bill stipulates that one can enter into a civil partnership commonly referred to as “small house” with a person of the opposite sex who is above the age of 18 even if they are married under chapter 5:11

“Once we legalise having civil partners we are fueling STIs through multiple partnerships,” said one of the pastors.

“The loophole in this bill is that a person who does not indulge in an extra marital affair partnership will suffer from the actions of the one who does,” said another pastor.

“What will happen to the woman who has been wasted since we say we are all equal?,” asked another pastor.

COMAFO founding director, Reverend Herbert Mazonde challenged the legislators to consult extensively indicating that nations are founded on solid family institutions.

“The bill promotes promiscuity, gender based violence through raising unnecessary emotions… The whole section is immoral, promotes and validates adultery and does not protect property of the innocent party and children,” he said.

Calls were also made for adequate training to traditional leaders before certifying them as marriage officers to preserve the sacredness of the marriage institution.