Under the newly revised marriage registration regulations, set to take effect on May 10, couples in the Chinese mainland will only need to present their identification cards (IDs) and sign a declaration confirming that they are not currently married and share no blood relation within three generations before obtaining their marriage certificate.

While this streamlined process removes bureaucratic hurdles for couples in love, one question remains: When saying "I do" becomes this easy, will "I don't" follow just as quickly?

Ren Sining (Zhengguannews.cn): In the past, to better protect the rights and interests of both parties involved in marriage, people were required to present their hukou (household registration) booklets and ID cards, as well as sign declarations with the related information when registering their marriage. Nowadays, thanks to the rapid development of information technologies, things like second-generation ID cards and facial recognition can effectively verify people's identity. So the probative value of the hukou booklets has diminished. The regulations' new stipulation simplifies the application process and improves administrative efficiency.

Previously, hukou booklets were mostly kept by parents and this sometimes led to family interference in their children's marriage. From this perspective, loosening the regulations on marriage registration reaffirms the principle of freedom of marriage and represents a respect for and enhancement of individual autonomy.

However, people should be cautious and not "marry at will." Related authorities should, alongside simplifying the marriage registration process, also provide services such as relationship education, psychological counseling and legal advice to help the public establish a correct view on marriage and relationships. And a couple desiring to tie the knot still must consult their parents given marriage is a major life event. After all, a family's support and blessing are essential for a happy and fulfilling marriage.

Social institutions should change with the times. For example, is it also possible to further break down hukou barriers in the public service sector so that resources like medical care and education can flow more smoothly? The marriage registration reform may serve as a valuable reference for these issues. 

Zhang Li (Hntv.tv): Simplifying marriage registration is both an evolution and a test. Some netizens joke that getting a bank card is now more complicated than getting married. Some people worry that making marriage registration so easy will encourage young people to trivialize marriage. Removing the hukou requirement, which previously involved parents, could lead to hasty and ill-considered marriages among young people.

When constraints disappear, can people still maintain a sense of reverence for marriage? With just an ID card, young people can complete their marriage registration while potentially leaving their parents completely in the dark. This information chasm threatens to create friction within families. If hasty marriages are undertaken without proper thought, a host of issues may emerge after the honeymoon period is over, raising the possibility of "flash marriages" ending in "flash divorces."

Simplified procedures do not mean simplified responsibilities. A rational approach to marriage is the only responsible approach. Both partners must recognize the solemn nature of marriage, ensuring that every decision is based on careful deliberation, avoiding the regret that often follows impulsive actions.

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

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