Malawian President Raises Marriage Age From 16 To 18

Malawi's President Peter Mutharika has approved a law which lifts the age for marriage from 16 to 18.

Human rights activists had pushed for the law, saying Malawi had one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world.

Parliament passed the law two months ago, despite strong opposition from traditionalists.

The law only recognises marriages between men and women, disappointing gay rights activists.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Malawi, where most people hold deeply conservative religious and cultural beliefs..................BBC NEWS