Chinese couples seeking a divorce must first complete a month-long "cooling-off" period according to a new law passed Thursday that sparked outrage over state interference in private relationships.
The provision that requires couples filing for separation to wait for a month before their request can be processed -- in a bid to reduce divorce rates -- sparked widespread opposition when lawmakers first sought feedback last year.
After it was passed, the law became one of the top trending topics on Weibo -- with over 25 million views of posts using the hashtag "oppose the divorce cool-off period".
The country's first-ever civil code -- passed during its annual rubber-stamp parliament -- is a sweeping piece of legislation that will replace existing laws on marriage, adoption and property rights among others.
"We cannot even divorce freely?" wrote one user. "There must still be a lot of people who marry impulsively, they should set a cooling off period for getting married as well!"
"They passed the divorce cooling off period despite everyone's opposition online, which means their respect for public opinion is just for show," added another commentator.
The cooling-off period will not apply if one spouse is seeking divorce following domestic violence.
Chinese couples seeking a divorce must first complete a month-long "cooling-off" period according to a new law passed Thursday that sparked outrage over state interference in private relationships.
"We cannot even divorce freely?" wrote one user. "There must still be a lot of people who marry impulsively, they should set a cooling off period for getting married as well!"
