Sexist Laws Are on Way Out in Brazil

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.

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