From: Charles Moore
Date: 15 November 1993
CC:
182
1 € NOV 199?
Miss Brooks, Legal Adviser
Mr Ricketts Mr Hum PS/Mr_Goodlad
CA 16/
A32141
kliauta
Not
HKB 017/5
NAPS (MR GOODLAND
HONG KONG: AMENDMENT TO LAW ON DIVORCE
27/11
2.is 1993
Problem
A
1. Hong Kong have sought clearance from the Secretary of
State before preparing legislation to amend Hong Kong's
divorce law, the Matrimonial Causes Ordinance.
Recommendation
2.
I
It is doubtful that the Secretary of State's clearance
is strictly necessary. To err on the safe side, however, recommend that Mr Goodlad gives his consent. Legal Advisers
agree.
Background
3.
The Home Affairs Branch of the Hong Kong Government (HKG) propose to amend the Matrimonial Causes Ordinance (Chapter 179 of the Laws of Hong Kong). The amendments provide for
certain accepted recommendations of the Hong Kong Law Reform Commission, and rectify points of incompatability between the
Matrimonial Causes Ordinance and the Bill of Rights.
4. The proposed amendments include reductions in the minimum periods of separation required prior to divorce, and in the minimum period of marriage before an application for divorce
1