💨 Abstract

The Constitutional Court of South Africa ruled that men can now legally adopt their wives' surnames, marking a significant step towards gender equality. This decision overturns previous restrictions in the Births and Deaths Registration Act, which limited men's ability to change their surnames post-marriage. The court found these provisions discriminatory and unconstitutional, giving Parliament 24 months to amend the legislation while allowing men to immediately assume their wives' surnames.

Courtesy: Garrin Lambley