Authorities in China back down after attempt to ban divorces on Chinese Valentine’s Day creates a huge backlash

Local authorities in two areas tried to suspend divorce services to cope with an expected surge in weddings on May 20

Divorce is a controversial topic in China since the Central Government ordered a 30 day cooling off period before couples can get divorced

Reading Time:2 minutes

The freedom to divorce has been a topic of debate in China after the government moved to lengthen waiting times earlier this year. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 5:05pm, 18 May 2021Updated: 10:06pm, 18 May 2021

Two local governments in China have apologised for suspending divorce registrations on China’s version of Valentine’s Day after a public outcry.

Authorities in Kaili city, Guizhou province and Pingjiang county, Hunan province, have backed down on the temporary closure of divorce services on Thursday when they expect to see a surge in couples getting married.

May 20 is an unofficial holiday in China for lovers as its short form “520” sounds phonetically similar to “Wo Ai Ni” in Chinese, meaning “I Love You”.

The civil affairs bureaus in both areas announced last week that they would decline any divorce application this coming Thursday because their staff would be too busy with marriage registration.

Both bureaus issued an apology on Monday this week after their decision was criticised as an attack on personal freedom.

Freedom to divorce has become a growing public concern since China enforced a 30-day “cooling off” period at the beginning of the year in an effort to curb rising divorce rates. Couples seeking separation have to wait for a month after filing for a divorce to reconsider the decision, according to the new law.

A woman holds a book about extramarital affairs as she listens to marriage counsellor during a session in Shanghai. Photo: AFP

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x