The Church Council has voted down the Social Democrats’ proposal to ban bride handover in the Church of Sweden. The tradition, which has become more popular in recent years, is thus allowed to continue to be part of marriage ceremonies in the country.
The proposal by the Social Democrats to ban the handing over of brides within the Church of Sweden has been rejected by the Church Council, the Christian newspaper Dagen reports.
The committee agreed that the custom of the bride being led to the altar by her father will not be banned, despite the fact that many in the Social Democrats see the tradition as an expression of “patriarchal oppression”.
The proposal to ban this tradition came through a motion by Sara Waldenfors (S), but when the issue was considered by the Church Council, the answer was a resounding “no”.
Both the Social Democrats and Ms. Waldenfors have now expressed their respect for the decision to allow the bride handover to continue.
Motionen om brudöverlämning kommer att avslås https://t.co/Nq96q0tKwJ
— Tidningen Dagen (@Dagen) October 12, 2024
Awareness campaign replaces ban
Instead of a ban, the Church Council will consider new educational materials to raise awareness among priests and couples about different marriage traditions. Waldenfors accepts the rejection and says she is satisfied with the democratic process.
– I think it is the democratic process that is so wonderful here, that we have worked this out together and arrived at something in common, she tells Dagen.
The bridal handover, a popular custom in the United States, has become increasingly popular in Sweden, thanks in part to American film and television. Although the tradition is considered by some to be problematic, it can now continue to be part of weddings in the Church of Sweden.