So I come from a fairly religiously strict country, Malaysia.
Despite being considered a secular state, Malaysia's ruling religion is Islam.
Based on the common law legal system from a post colonization by Britain between the 19th century to the 1960s, Malaysia currently provides for a unique "Dual Justice System". Those being the:
The Secular Laws & The Sharia Laws
This causes many complications such as ones freedom to religion. Article 11 of the constitution provides that "Every person has the right to profess and practice his religion".
However, in the case of Lina Joy—a Malay who converted to Christianity—the Federal Court of Malaysia refused to allow her to change her religion indicated in her identity card . The judges held that they had no jurisdiction on the matter—that it was a matter of the Shariah Court, as indicated in Article 121(1A) of the Constitution.
As known, the Sharia court is a court specifically for Muslims.
Sometimes, I question how Sharia is being applied
So what's the problem?
I am a Eurasian Male. I'm Half Sarawakian and Half Scottish and I was born into the religion of Islam in Malaysia.
I have a rather open minded opinion on my own religion and have certain contradictions and disputes about it, but i'll save that for another post.
I have a girlfriend of 5 months who is Chinese, and a Buddhist but wishes to convert to Catholicism. I have absolutely no issues with this as I believe everyone should be given the right to believe and worship who they want. So long as they don't do harm and care for one another. You don't need to have religion to be a good person in this world that is full off possibilities.
Now, in Islam, it is required that if one were to marry a non-Muslim, the other must convert in order for the marriage to be valid. Though it all ultimately depends on the laws of the country. Despite it being an obligation in religion, there are certain grey areas. They say that Muslims may be allowed, though not recommended, to marry a Catholic.
But in Malaysia, the problem lies at the fact that EVERY non-Muslim that marries a Muslim is REQUIRED by law to convert to Islam
Whereas in other countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, or any other South East Asian country (or Western ones) allows one to marry and maintain their religion; despite its internal repercussions (within the families).
I hope to one day to settle down with my lady (given if we decide that path) but It seems that it might pose as an issue if she is unwilling to convert. And I am not one to force for it is a very sensitive matter and there's no way in hell i'll do that as religion is a personal thing, God, if there is one, speaks to us in his own ways.
Funny thing though, my Parents had gotten married in Thailand for the registration and came back for the celebration
This gives me hope that regardless of you you are, your background, your religion, your race, your sex or sexual orientation, love conquers all. And I wish to share to everyone that no matter what, if there is a will, there is a way. Despite our families traditions, customs and differences.
So, who else is out there facing issues with marriage and conflicting religions?
How did you find your way?
Do Comment!