The thorny issue of religion, marriage and divorce has resurfaced in Egypt. This is something the Mubarak regime promised to sort outlast year (but didn't) through a reform of the personal status law for non-Muslims.

Following Mubarak's departure the ruling military council is looking at it again, though it remains to be seen whether this attempt will be any more successful.

The obvious solution – but a contentious one for Egypt – is to allow civil marriages for any couples who prefer that option. On Wednesday, the head of Egypt's Evangelical Church declared himself in favour of civil marriage, though disputes continue within other churches.

Posted by Brian Whitaker, 28 July 2011.