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Disagreements between the Government and traditional leaders on a Clause related to payment of lobola and powers of chiefs as marriage officers, have stalled the Marriages Amendment Bill in Senate with the two parties still pursuing common ground.
Debate on the Bill was adjourned in Senate four months ago after differences emerged on Clause 16, which provides that payment of bride price could not be regarded as a barrier in solemnising marriage between two consenting adults if they satisfy other requirements of the law.
This did not go down well with traditional leaders led by President of Chiefs Council Fortune Charumbira who argued that payment of bride price was a hallmark of marriage in customary unions.