Turkish parliament and president passed a law allowing Muslim clerics to conduct civil marriages. The law allows ‘mufti’ marriages which was also published in the country’s official gazette. Previously, only state officers in branches of the family affairs directorate were able to conduct marriages. A requirement has also been added which prohibits individuals who have carried out ‘immoral acts’ before marriage from becoming Turkish citizens. Many people in Turkey, conduct religious ceremonies as well as civil marriages, and see it as a religious obligation. The law does not change the requirements for a legal civil marriage. It has been stated its aim is to make it more convenient for those who wish to have religious marriages.