Page:Women Wanted.djvu/409

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
THE RING AND THE WOMAN
373

laws. Seven women's associations united in formulating the pronouncement which was returned. There is no paragraph about divorce for the reason that Finland has already accomplished divorce by mutual consent. For the rest, it is probably the most complete presentment available of the new woman's point of view. This is what she asks:—

1. That the guardianship of the husband shall cease, and the married woman have an equal right of action in all legal matters, even against her husband; that she shall have the right to plead in courts of law and to carry on business independently.

2. That the married couple shall have equal responsibilities and rights as regards the children and provide for them together.

3. That the husband and wife shall have equal right to represent the family in public matters. If either party uses this right improperly, it can be taken from him or her by the courts on the demand of the other party.

4. If either husband or wife should be a cause of danger to the other, the party who is endangered shall have the right to separate from the other. The courts shall be empowered to decide whether, the circumstances are such as to entitle the complaining party to receive maintenance.

5. That if a married couple separates, the party who retains the care of the child shall decide the question of the child's education. If this right be misused, the other party shall have the right to appeal to the courts for rectification.