An omnibus legislation "would contain different chapters" for the recognition of different kinds of marriages such as civil marriages, civil unions, customary marriages and religious marriages.

A single marriage act and omnibus legislation could afford recognition to all types of marriages, including civil, religious and customary marriages, and same-sex unions.

But, if a single marriage act or omnibus legislation affords only legal recognition to religious marriages, the regulation of the marriages will still be left to religious communities.

If the state is serious about affording sufficient protection to marginalised people in society - including women in minority religious communities - it should go beyond simply recognising all forms of marriages.

And existing legislation, such as the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, Civil Union Act and Marriage Act, could be amended where necessary and included as separate chapters.