Tanzanian government forced to review Islamic courts bill in light of Christian opposition

Christians across Tanzania have welcomed Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda’s promise to review the government’s decision to table a bill to introduce Kadhi (Islamic) courts in the country’s judiciary after opposition arose among Tanzanian Christians MPs on 29 March. Despite the political triumph, many pastors who opposed the legislation have been attacked and their churches threatened with closure.

The bill proposes the introduction of Kadhi courts across mainland Tanzania to deal with family matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and family rights among the country’s Muslim population. According to Tanzanian Christian leader “Peter”, “Christians refused, and vowed to vote no. They said the secular state and secular constitution states that religious affairs are a personal matter and that the government must not run, establish or enforce any religious law!”

The Kadhi courts bill is included in proposed legislation for a new constitution, known as Katiba. A national referendum on the constitution, slated for 30 April, has been postponed after Christian leaders raised their voices in opposition to the proposed bill and advised Tanzanian Christians not to support the new constitution that would undermine current, secular legal practices on family matters. Keep reading

Photo credit: Barnabas Fund