Russia Didn't Ban Mixed-Religion Marriages
The Claim
Russian President Vladimir Putin banned mixed-religion marriages for Muslims in Russia.
News posted on
Emerging story
In November 2020, news that the Russian President Vladimir Putin banned mixed-religion marriages for Muslims in Russia started circulating.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar's investigation found that the Russian government hasn’t issued any such ruling restricting interfaith marriages for Muslims. The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia (DUM) passed a religious ruling that bans Muslims in Russia from marrying non-Muslim women. This ruling is passed by the advisory council of this religious organization and has no legal power from the Russian Government.
The Councils of Clerics of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims issued a ruling, in July, banning interfaith marriages for Muslims. The ruling was only published on November 10, though it was not immediately unclear why.
According to the fatwa, Muslim men can marry non-Muslim women only in "exclusive situations" and with the approval of local muftis.
However, the Russian Government hasn’t issued any ruling that bans Muslim men from marrying non-Muslim women in Russia.