The Punjab Assembly has received a landmark private member bill seeking to reform the Christian Marriage Act 1872, offering long-awaited relief to millions of Christian families.
The proposed Christian Marriage Act Bill 2026, submitted by Philobus Christopher, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs, introduces sweeping changes to address legal and administrative challenges under the colonial-era law.
The bill sets the minimum marriage age at 18 years for both men and women, replacing outdated provisions that allowed marriage at 16 for boys and 13 for girls.
It also mandates that both the bride and groom must be Christian, revising earlier rules that permitted marriages if only one party belonged to the faith.
For the first time, Christian marriages will be legally registered with Union Councils and the National Database and Registration Authority, ensuring official documentation and improved access to legal rights, inheritance, and identification services.
The bill allows all government-registered churches to solemnize marriages, expanding authority beyond traditional institutions such as Catholic and Church of England churches.
Qualified pastors from recognized seminaries will be authorized to conduct ceremonies.
The proposed law eliminates archaic provisions, including the ban on weddings after 6 pm, allowing ceremonies at any time of day.
It also clearly defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, replacing ambiguous wording in the existing law.
If passed, the legislation will mark a significant step toward modernizing personal laws for the Christian community in Punjab and improving access to legal protections.