Opinion
More than a 100 years later and women in the legal profession continue to seek substantiveequality in the workplace
The South African legal profession is complex and carries the burden of a patriarchal legacy
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The Western Cape High Court fails women on the eve of Human Rights Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 20 March 2023 The Women’s Legal Centre Trust (WLCT) is
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The Western Cape (Equality) High Court declares the City of Cape Town Housing Policy to be inconsistent with the Constitution.
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Media Statement Press release
The WLC seeks to intervene in developing the common law for women in life partnerships.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 20 January 2023 The WLC seeks to intervene in developing
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Challenging The Laws Which Serve To Silence Victims Of Sexual Violence And Their Supporters
The Women’s Legal Centre challenges the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act
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UNiTE! Activism To End Violence Against Women And Girls!
For the next 16 Days the Women’s Legal Centre will join the global community in
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High Court upholds women’s rights to make decisions about their reproductive health
TT & BM vs MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT & OTHERS – CASE NO 43969/2020 –
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Annual Report 2021
Creating The Future In The Present – The Feminist Revolution Continues And Must Continue Twenty-seven
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Advancing Access To Maintenance For Women In Permanent Life Partnerships
Charlene May and Mandi Mudarikwa unpack the Bwanya Judgement, which points to women in our
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Victory: Abdullah and WLCT v The City of Cape Town
In what can only be described as a victory for poor and working class women
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MEDIA STATEMENT: Abdullah and WLCT v The City of Cape Town
The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing in the Western Cape High Court sitting as
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#PatrickMustFall: Empty Promises – Empty Pots
On Monday 8 August 2022, over 50 working-class women from across the Cape Flats will
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Women’s Legal Centre Launches Academy for Future Female Litigators
The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) launched an intensive three-week training programme for law students from
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Social Justice Coalition and Others v Minister of Police and Others (Women’s Legal Centre as Fifth Respondent) Constitutional Court
On 19 July 2022, the Constitutional Court handed down judgment in an application brought by
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Unlawful and Unconstitutional State Interference in the right to place a Child(Ren) for Adoption
On 20 and 21 July 2022 the Johannesburg High Court will hear an application brought
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Victory for Muslim women as Constitutional Court judgment recognises their right to equal protection in marriage
The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) is elated in welcoming the judgment handed down by the
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Safeguarding access to safe and legal abortions: Voice of Unborn Baby
In a country where access to abortion and other sexual and reproductive health care services
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How To Access Abortion Facilities In South Africa
The Women's Legal Centre has compiled information booklets on how to access abortion facilities in
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Workers’ Day: How does the new Harassment Code impact womxn at work?
The purpose of the Harassment Code is to ensure that South African workplaces comply with
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High Court vindicates women’s rights to speak about their rape experience as a critical way to combat the scourge of violence against women
The Women’s Legal Centre is inspired by the judgement handed down by the Western Cape
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Apex court judgment enables opposite-sex life partners to inherit intestate
Through our work as the Women’s Legal Centre, we are all too aware that simply
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Magistrate’s Courts fail to protect womxn who survive violence
Violence against women remains a pandemic in South Africa, and when women experience domestic violence,
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Seeking to have the system used by the SAPS to determine the allocation of their human resources recognise the impact of violent crimes on women
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 1 February 2022 Seeking to have the system used by the
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Annual Report 2020
Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future
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Annual Report 2018/2019
Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future
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Annual Report 2015
Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future
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Annual report 2012
Read all about our successes, the lessons we learned and our plans for the future
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Victory for women in opposite sex domestic partnerships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 04 January 2022 Victory for women in opposite sex domestic
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Women’s Legal Centre to challenge the Criminal Procedure Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CAPE TOWN: 12 December 2021 The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing
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Gender equality still lacking in the South African legal field
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A report commissioned by the Western Cape branch of the National Association
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Campaigners petition UN to investigate racial and gender discrimination in global COVID-19 vaccine roll-out
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10 November, 2021 Campaigners petition UN to investigate racial and gender discrimination
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Religious freedom does not mean the right to discriminate
CAPE TOWN: 09 November 2021 The constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion is not a
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CAPE TOWN: 01 November 2021
SOUTH AFRICA’S CIVIL SOCIETY SHADOW REPORTING 5TH PERIODIC REVIEW ON THE CONVENTION ON ELIMINATION OF
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WLC to appeal order gagging a womxn from speaking about her rape to anyone
CAPE TOWN: 19 October 2021 The Women’s Legal Centre will be appearing in the Western
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WLC supports liberalisation of abortion laws in Namibia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Today we stand in solidarity with our sister organisation in Namibia, the
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Separate marriage laws marginalise LGBTQIA+ people
Continuing with South Africa’s current separate marriage dispensation reinforces the marginalisation and stigmatisation of LGBTQIA+
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Why customary marriage registration matters for South African womxn
The Women’s Legal Centre strongly believes that if we want womxn in South Africa to
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The WLC encouraged by WCHC landmark decision against an interdict seeking to silence rape survivor
CAPE TOWN: 30 August 2021 The WLC encouraged by WCHC landmark decision against an interdict
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Statement on hateful comments made during case on the recognition of Muslim marriages.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 05 August 2021 At the start of the hearing of our case,
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Beyond the altar: Addressing the legacy of who is deserving of relationship recognition
If the state is committed to reforming South Africa’s family law in a manner that
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Constitutional Court decision in Qwelane case is a win for womxn’s rights in South Africa
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 30 July 2021 Constitutional Court decision in Qwelane case is a win
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Women’s Legal Centre admitted as friend of the court in landmark case addressing the public naming of sexual violence perpetrators
CAPE TOWN: The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) welcomes the decision made by the Western Cape
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We need feminist places of work: How ILO Convention 190 can help to get us there
This Worker’s Day the Women’s Legal Centre joins womxn around the world in urging their
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Joint Press Statement: Women’s Legal Centre, Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition of South Africa and Legal Resources Centre
Joint Press Statement: Women’s Legal Centre, Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition of South Africa and
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Joint Press Statement: Global Gag Rule Rescinded
Joint Press Statement: Global Gag Rule Rescinded Women’s Legal Centre and Legal Resources Centre
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IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONNA GAIL FORTUIN
6 January 2021 IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONNA GAIL FORTUIN 1980 – 2021 It is with
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The Supreme Court of Appeal affirms the obligation of the state to take steps to recognise Muslim marriages in South Africa
The Supreme Court of Appeal affirms the obligation of the state to take steps to
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Towards a compassionate feminist society
Towards a compassionate feminist society Statement by the Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) on Reconciliation Day,
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365 Days of Protecting Womxn
365 Days of Protecting Womxn Cape Town, 26 November 2020 – The Women’s Legal Centre
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The Mahlangu Case and The Recognition of Women’s Work as Work
The Mahlangu Case and The Recognition of Women’s Work as Work This judgment realises the
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Victory for opposite-sex couples in domestic partnerships, but the fight for equality continues
Victory for opposite-sex couples in domestic partnerships, but the fight for equality continues Couples living
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The Recognition of Muslim Marriages in South Africa
The Recognition of Muslim Marriages in South Africa The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) was back
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The Bwanya Statement
The Bwanya Statement A win for #equalityinrelationships Cape Town, 30 September 2020 – The Women’s
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National Wills Week 26 – 30 October 2020
National Wills Week 26 – 30 October 2020 The Women’s Legal Centre, in partnership with
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Misogynistic Hate Speech Undermines Equality for Womxn
Misogynistic Hate Speech Undermines Equality for Womxn South Africa is a deeply unequal society in
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Another delay, but a key concession in realising Muslim women’s rights in marriage
Another delay, but a key concession in realising Muslim women’s rights in marriage The Women’s
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Women’s Day: We are the feminist leadership we have been waiting for
Women’s Day: We are the feminist leadership we have been waiting for International Women’s Day
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Protecting Safe Access To Sexual And Reproductive Health Services During Covid-19
Protecting Safe Access To Sexual And Reproductive Health Services During Covid-19 The Women’s Legal Centre,
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It is time for our Government to take heed of the lived realities of womxn farmworkers
It is time for our Government to take heed of the lived realities of womxn
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THE WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE REMAINS DEDICATED TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF GENDER EQUALITY DURING COVID-19
THE WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE REMAINS DEDICATED TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF GENDER EQUALITY DURING COVID-19 At
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STRANDFONTEIN SHELTER SHOWS IMPORTANCE OF MONITORING WOMXN’S RIGHTS DURING A CRISIS
Strandfontein shelter shows importance of monitoring womxn’s rights during a crisis Our government’s COVID-19 response
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WLC’s objection to the City of Cape Town’s Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of Noise Nuisances By-law
WLC’s objection to the City of Cape Town’s Streets, Public Places and the Prevention of
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Poverty, Social Relief & Economic Recovery. A toolkit by the Women’s Legal Centre.
Poverty, Social Relief & Economic Recovery. A toolkit by the Women’s Legal Centre. The unprecedented
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PROTECTING SAFE ACCESS TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES DURING COVID-19
PROTECTING SAFE ACCESS TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES DURING COVID-19 The Women’s Legal Centre,
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The Women’s Legal Centre operational despite Covid-19
The Women’s Legal Centre operational despite Covid-19 Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc globally forcing people
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WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE’S WORKERS’ DAY STATEMENT
WOMEN’S LEGAL CENTRE’S WORKERS’ DAY STATEMENT The need to commemorate and celebrate Workers’ Day is
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN RESPECT OF SAPS DURING THE LOCKDOWN:
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN RESPECT OF SAPS DURING THE LOCKDOWN: During this period, while we
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Know Your Rights: Labour Laws in Effect During Lockdown
The Covid-19 virus has placed our society in a completely new state of existence and
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COVID-19 through a gendered, Feminist and human rights lens. What does Corona virus mean to womxn in South Africa.
The Women’s Legal Centre reflects after President Ramaphosa addresses the nation for the third time
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Media Statement: Human Rights Day: Looking Back, Moving Forward 21 March 2019
MEDIA STATEMENT: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD 21 March 2019 Equality is one of
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Media Statement: Stop the Silencing of Womxn Victims 18 March 2019
MEDIA STATEMENT: STOP THE SILENCING OF WOMXN VICTIMS 18 March 2019 On 13 March 2019,
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Public Statement: Women Who Testified in the Equal Education Enquiry on Sexual Harassment Speak
Public Statement Women Who Testified in the Equal Education Enquiry on Sexual Harassment Speak We
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Media Statement: Justice for the families of the CTCHC housing scheme
Media Statement Justice for the families of the CTCHC housing scheme Women have historically been
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Women’s Legal Centre Statement: Satchwell Report in Equal Education Inquiry disregards sexual harassment complainants
Media Statement Satchwell Report in Equal Education Inquiry disregards sexual harassment complainants: In August 2018
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Statement – WLCT v President of the Republic of South Africa & Others
Media Statement Women’s Legal Centre Trust v President of the Republic of South Africa &
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Moosa NO and others v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and others
Media Statement Moosa NO and others v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and others
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Levenstein and Others v Estate of the Late Sidney Lewis Frankel and Others
Media Statement Levenstein and Others v Estate of the Late Sidney Lewis Frankel and Others
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Statement – Voice of the Unborn Baby – 1 June 2018
Media Statement Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition members apply to join as a friend of
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Court case seeks to the end the prescription of sexual offences.
Media Statement Sexual Harassment in the Social Justice Sector The Women’s Legal Centre is an
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Western Cape Education Department & another v S (Women’s Legal Centre as Amicus Curiae)
Media Statement Head of Department: Western Cape Education Department & another v S (Women’s Legal
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Levenstein (and 7 others) and Sidney Frankel
Media Release LEVENSTEIN & 7 OTHERS /SIDNEY FRANKEL & OTHERS 170/17 (CC ): PARTIES TO
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We are shocked at the arrest of our colleagues by the Tanzanian Police
Media Statement Issued by CHESA and ISLA. 20 October 2017, Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania: On Tuesday, 17
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President dismiss Mduduzi Manan
Media Release President dismiss Mduduzi Manana – The WLC requests President dismiss Mduduzi Manana, failing this,
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Harnaker Matter: The Irony Of The Law In Regards To Muslim Marriages
Press Release Harnaker Matter: The Irony Of The Law In Regards To Muslim Marriages On
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Why impunity must end?
Press Release Deputy Minister’s attack on women highlights why impunity must end. Tuesday 08 August
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Parliament must dismiss Mr Mduduzi Manana
Media Release Parliament must dismiss Mr Mduduzi Manana as an MP, to send a clear
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#PoliceResources and how the case affects women
Opinion #PoliceResources and how the case affects women Article by Janie Booth Khayelitsha has one
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The Constitutional Court Reinforces Spatial Violence
Opinion The Constitutional Court Reinforces Spatial Violence Created By South Africa’s Apartheid Past The Constitutional
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HOW STATE CAPTURE AFFECTS WOMEN
Opinion HOW STATE CAPTURE AFFECTS WOMEN By Janie Booth and Victoria Wang State capture refers
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UPDATES ON STATE CAPTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA.
Opinion CHECKING THE NEWS EACH MORNING BRINGS A CONTINUOUS STREAM OF UPDATES ON STATE CAPTURE
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State Capture – How does it work?
Opinion State Capture – How does it work? We encounter poverty every day. When we
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Sex work in South Africa must be decriminalised
Opinion Sex work in South Africa must be decriminalised —in a democratic society, this cannot
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Court case seeks to the end the prescription of sexual offences.
Media Statement Court case seeks to the end the prescription of sexual offences. Today 22
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A SUMMARY OF THE STATE CAPACITY
Opinion A SUMMARY OF THE STATE CAPACITY RESEARCH PROJECT’S REPORT ON STATE CAPTURE By Victoria
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Will women in customary marriages have equal right to property
Press Release Will women in customary marriages have equal right to property On Tuesday 16
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to honour our late leader Ahmed Kathrada
Media Statement To honour our late leader Ahmed Kathrada Thursday 06 April 2017; In President
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An integrated plan to curb taxi rapes
Opinion An integrated plan to curb taxi rapes should be driven from the top—by government.
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New date agreed by the parties in the recognition of Muslim marriages class action
Media Statement New date agreed by the parties in the recognition of Muslim marriages class
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failure to recognise Muslim marriages
Media Statement To recognise Muslim marriages On Monday 20 March 2017, the day before Human
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