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Jesus’ mother wasn't called Mary Joseph; it’s no longer relevant to use husband’s name — Judge

Bye-Bye to Husband's Surname? High Court Justice Challenges Outdated Tradition

 In a thought-provoking statement, High Court Justice Alexander Osei Tutu declares that the long-standing tradition of married women taking their husband's surname is no longer relevant or necessary.

Speaking on JoyNews' "The Law" program, Justice Osei Tutu traced the origins of this practice back to ancient English common law from the 11th century, which viewed married women as having no independent legal identity apart from their husbands. "So if you marry as a woman, your husband's identity covers you," he explained.

The judge argues that Christian theology was later used to justify this tradition by citing passages that call for wives to submit to their husbands. However, he points out that nowhere in the Bible did women actually take on their husband's name upon marriage. "Eve was never called Adam Eve, Jesus' mother was not called Mary Joseph," he noted.

Justice Osei Tutu believes this tradition served to demean women and diminish their own identity. But as women have gained more independence and rights over the centuries, he believes it's time to reconsider this antiquated English custom. "We need to reconsider our adoption of the 'Mrs.' and the use of the husband's name," he stated firmly.

With modern legislation now empowering women's autonomy, the judge sees no valid justification for married women to abandon their birth names. It's time, he says, to bid farewell to the mandatory adoption of the husband's surname.