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Matrimonial Causes (Amendment) Ordinance
Following is a question by the Hon Miriam Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs. Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
The Matrimonial Causes (Amendment) Ordinance 1995 was passed by this Council on 17 May 1995 but it shall come into operation on a day to be appointed by the Secretary for Home Affairs by notice in the Gazette. Will the Government inform this Council of the reasons why, after a lapse of 6 months since its passage, the Ordinance has still not come into operation: and when it is expected that a notice will be published in the Gazette to bring the Ordinance into operation?
Reply:
Mr President:
I share the Honourable Member's wish for the Matrimonial Causes (Amendment) Ordinance (the Amendment Ordinance) to be brought into operation as soon as possible. However, before this can be done, it is necessary for the Matrimonial Causes Rules (the Rules) to be amended to bring court procedures in relation to matrimonial proceedings into line with its provisions. Amendments to the Rules are made by the Chief Justice. Home Affairs Branch has been co-ordinating the preparation of the necessary amendments to the Rules. The relevant professional bodies are currently being consulted on an advanced draft. We expect to be able to finalise the amendments to the Rules and submit them to the Chief Justice for consideration within the next few weeks.
The Amendment Ordinance will be brought into force at the same time the amendments to the Rules to be made by the Chief Justice come into effect.
End