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Sexist Laws Are on Way Out in Brazil

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After 26 years of deliberation, Brazil is preparing to throw out a 1916 civil code that allows a man to annul his marriage if he finds that his bride is not a virgin.

Congress approved the new code’s main articles Wednesday, concluding a tortuous process of disputes and modifications since it was proposed in 1975.

But the expected final approval--as early as next week--would not put the code into effect until two years after President Fernando Henrique Cardoso signed it.

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The new civil code would formally end many of the most sexist laws in Brazil.

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