Bahraini government facilitates marriage procedures for Sunni citizens, ignores Shias

Criticism has been directed towards the Bahraini government for favoring Sunni Muslims in facilitating marriage procedures while neglecting the Shia community, with media outlets and human rights organizations highlighting this disparity.

This criticism came after a large ceremony was held to marry 1600 Sunni individuals in the region of Al-Sakhir.

According to reports, facilitating marriage contracts and supporting young individuals preparing for this sacred union are important activities that should receive government care and support.

The mass wedding event in Al-Sakhir involving Sunni individuals underscores the unequal treatment within the kingdom, where Sunni marriages are facilitated while Shia individuals are deprived of such support.

The ruling regime has been accused of opposing similar programs organized by Shia charitable associations and only permitting support for Sunni individuals in order to increase their numbers in the kingdom and alter its demographic composition.

This strategy is seen as a means for the authorities to support Sunni Muslims at the expense of the Shia community, particularly amidst economic challenges and difficulties in meeting marriage requirements.

Human rights organizations have documented the efforts of leading Islamic educational associations in conducting mass marriage projects, with around 2005 marriages taking place between 1992 and 2005. These initiatives have reportedly increased the Sunni population by approximately 6,000 children over a span of 13 years.