Moroccan minister sparks debate over proposal that women should pay maintenance

Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has sparked controversy with his proposal that higher-earning women should be responsible for paying maintenance to their ex-husband after a divorce.

In an interview on Channel 2M on Monday, Ouahbi spoke about the family law and his view on alimony. He stressed the need for equity in financial responsibility, explaining: “For a woman to be granted all her rights, we must know what belongs to the man and what does not, and what belongs to the woman and what does not, because financial responsibility is shared.”

Ouahbi stated that a woman whose income exceeds that of her ex-husband should be obliged to pay alimony as she contributes to the financial stability of the household. He noted that this matter is currently under review and called for “balance and justice” in determining alimony.

His comments have sparked a wide debate. Critics point out that under Islamic law, the man is traditionally responsible for paying maintenance after a divorce. In addition, a married Muslim woman is generally not obliged to use her income or assets to support her husband or the household.