Egypt’s Cabinet, during its meeting on Wednesday chaired by Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli, approved a draft family law for Christian Egyptians.
This comes in line with directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to expedite the submission of family law bills for both Christians and Muslims, as well as a Family Support Fund law.
Madbouli said the three draft laws will be referred to parliament sequentially on a weekly basis, aiming to meet citizens’ expectations, preserve family and social stability, and safeguard the rights of all parties.
The move comes in implementation of Article 3 of the Constitution, which stipulates that the principles of Christian laws are the main source of legislation governing their personal status.
A legal committee—formed by a prime ministerial decree and chaired by a representative of the Ministry of Justice, with members from relevant bodies and Christian denominations—held 35 meetings through April 20, 2026, to finalize the draft following extensive consultations.
Justice Minister Mahmoud El-Sherif said the ministry conducted a broad societal dialogue with representatives of Christian denominations, legal experts, and parliamentarians, resulting in broad consensus on most provisions. Relevant national councils were also consulted, and their feedback was incorporated.
The draft consolidates scattered regulations into a single law covering engagement, marriage, divorce, custody, inheritance, and other personal status matters, while respecting doctrinal differences among denominations. It also aims to simplify procedures and ensure clarity, while upholding constitutional principles of equality.
