BEIRUT: Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Naim Hasan announced Wednesday his rejection of establishing civil marriage in Lebanon.

“Change is inevitable, however any change should be in accordance with Sharia law,” Hasan said following a meeting with head of the Druze religious committee, Hadi Aridi.

Hasan also urged young people from the Druze community to cling to the traditions of their ancestors. “For the stability of the Lebanese family and its well-being, it must be built on solid bases that set the foundations for a safe, progressive and stable society,” he added.

“Since marriage is a holy sacrament we oppose the establishment of civil marriage,” Hasan said.

“We believe that eliminating sectarianism in politics and stepping up its implementation can be initiated by forming the national committee to eliminate sectarianism, without linking it to any other subject,” he added, referring to the body whose establishment was stipulated by the Taif Accord.