In Lebanon, family law is governed by a legal system deeply rooted in religious affiliation. In the absence of a unified civil code, matters related to marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance are regulated by no fewer than 15 personal status laws, each specific to one of the country’s 18 state-recognized religious communities. This system creates a fragmented form of citizenship based on sectarian identity and perpetuates structural discrimination—particularly against women.
It is within this context that a groundbreaking ruling was issued by the Beirut Civil Court on 22 May 2025, recognizing the validity of a civil marriage conducted remotely via Zoom between two Lebanese citizens, officiated by a civil registrar based in the state of Utah (USA).
This judgment marks a turning point: for the first time, a Lebanese court has validated a civil marriage that was conducted without religious oversight, remotely, and outside the country. The ruling is based on U.S. law as well as principles of private international law and human rights, particularly freedom of conscience and the right to marry.
To unpack this decision, EuroMed Rights has published a fact sheet available in French, English, and Arabic, covering:
- The legal arguments used in the ruling,
- Its social and legal implications,
- A feminist analysis grounded in human rights.
By recognizing a civil marriage conducted online, the Lebanese judiciary has opened an unprecedented space for individuals not affiliated with any religion. This decision could help fuel debates around the proposed Unified Personal Status Code currently under discussion in Parliament and highlight the urgent need for structural reforms to overcome sectarian deadlock.
Download the fact sheet here