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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Michelle Gumede

South Africa rules law banning a husband from taking wife’s family name is unconstitutional

South Africa was the first on the continent to legalize same-sex marriage in 2006, with both partners free to chose their surname after the marriage - ((Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images))

South Africa's Constitutional Court has declared an apartheid-era law unconstitutional, which had previously barred husbands from adopting their wives' surnames or hyphenating them.

The landmark ruling, delivered on Thursday, mandates an amendment to existing legislation, thereby paving the way for men to legally take their spouse's last name if they wish.

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