Law and religion never mix well. I'm a little more shielded from the world than I thought that I didn't realize there were still societies that didn't allow people of different religions to marry, but with the things I've heard, I'm not much surprised it exists. That's awful! I hope it can change over time :-\

Fortunately, I have a great respect to all religion and to Love as well. I have been converted from orthodox to pentecostal since 1999 and that helped me to be a broad minded. Because I used to think Orthodox and Muslim are the only true religions as my parents preached me. But who knows? that is why I respect fully equal all religion and no matter what I love and will love people with regard no religion. When we come to love, it is the greatest of all thing in this world. Imagine, had you ever hurted someone you love? I hope not. Second, have you ever thought of love based on religion? If so you must have been religious but not beliver. To me, if you are a believr, then you know what you believe in but if you are religious then you must be a narrow minded. Further, when we feel comfortable with some girl or boy, do we ask religion or do we express our love? Just remind what you have encountered a few days ago, I hope you all expresed love. The only way, you find out what religion the other party is when you bless the food or swear. Thus, though both are interrelated, love is the first thing to come and we should all accomodate about religion. GOD IS GOOD!!!!

Love, Sex, and all those good things while getting the state to recognize it. I don't know the specifics of Syria (yet I am getting an eyefull), but this seems to be a worldwide impediment to many couples. How many times is it 'just a jobs program for the clergy?', something to keep them employed and food on the table? Restrictions and impediments. Russia had a day off so couples could get romantic, aka have kids, while countries like Singapore try to encourage people to marry. The state can be a big meddler in people's lives.

Religion ruled the dark ages... Not allowing inter-religious marriages was a very common political strategy to help protect any religion from fading out or mixing. Yet, sadly it is now living in 21st century people minds', and their fear of the unknown punishment if they committed such act of "sin". It might take more than generations to make the change, but changing the rules & law governing these things in the country should be the first step and MUST happen. Marriage is not related to religion, except in the very sick minds... The blame should be upon those leaders who know the truth of this nonsense and yet they use it to manipulate societies. LR, Medical Doctor

Dear Sasa, You're absolutely right, it's low made by Druze leaders, but that doesn't mean that government is an innocent child beaten by his father and cant make a sound. The government itself should be aware of people's suffering because of some ignorant middle-age sheiks.

Nonsense. Maybe you should do some better research on Syria. Syria - like Lebanon - allows religious leaders to make decisions over marriage. It is THEM who are to blame for not allowing cross-religious marriages. So instead of blaming the law, or Muslims, maybe this man's Druze leaders should be to blame for refusing to let him marry a Christian. Also, Syria is most certainly NOT ruled by Sharia law. What nonsense. Religious matters are handled by religious leaders, and civil matters are handled by Napoleaonic French law in the state courts. Sasa, The Syria News Wire newsfromsyria.com.