Tanzania Debates Creation of Kadhi Courts

Dar Es Salaam's The Citizen reports today on an emotional debate in Tanzania's Parliament over whether Kadhi courts should be set up by the government to handle issues such a marriage, divorce and inheritance for Muslims. The government is studying a report by the Law Reform Commission on the issue. Proponents argue that such courts are a necessary part of the Islamic faith and that the CCM's 2005 election manifesto promised them. Opponents say such courts would be unconstitutional and that the Muslim religious bodies could deal with these issues without using taxpayer money for courts.