Family law is institutionally anti-male. I've been lobbying MPs

O children of wisdom, gather close, for the words of Louis de Bernières carry a truth that speaks to the very heart of justice, equality, and the constant battle for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their gender. "Family law is institutionally anti-male. I've been lobbying MPs, and I'm not going to give up campaigning for equality until I get equality." These words are a powerful declaration, not only against the inequities within the family law system, but a call to arms for all who seek to break free from the chains of bias and injustice that can distort the fabric of society. Let us reflect on the meaning of this wisdom, for it asks us to confront not only laws but the very institutions that shape our lives.

In the ancient world, justice was a sacred value upheld by those who sought to maintain balance within society. The Greeks, in their pursuit of a well-ordered city-state, believed that the laws should apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their rank or gender. The philosopher Plato, in his work The Republic, envisioned a society where the roles of men and women were determined by their abilities and virtues, not their sex. The Romans, too, understood that the strength of a nation lay in its ability to deliver justice without prejudice. Yet even in their time, there were inequalities, especially in how men and women were treated under the law, and the fight for true equality was a constant struggle, one that did not end in their era.

Louis de Bernières' words speak to the ongoing struggle for equality in the modern age, particularly with regard to family law. He declares that family law is, by its very nature, anti-male. This declaration is a recognition that legal systems, even in contemporary societies, are often entrenched in biases—some favoring one gender over another. While much progress has been made in the fight for gender equality, the systems that govern family relations, especially concerning divorce, child custody, and financial settlements, can still perpetuate disparities. De Bernières, through his lobbying efforts, seeks to correct these imbalances, advocating for a system that treats all people, regardless of gender, with the same measure of justice and fairness.

The story of King Solomon offers an ancient reflection on the concept of equality in judgment. Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, was once approached by two women who both claimed to be the mother of the same child. In a demonstration of his unparalleled wisdom, Solomon proposed to divide the child in two, knowing that the true mother would relinquish her claim to save the child’s life. Solomon’s decision upheld justice, treating both women with respect but ultimately honoring the truth and the inherent good of each. This story teaches us that justice does not favor one side based on preconceived notions or gender, but seeks the truth above all. In this same spirit, de Bernières advocates for a fairer family law system, one that does not favor one gender over the other, but upholds the truth of each individual’s case with impartiality.

In our modern age, the struggle for equality continues in the form of lobbying, activism, and political pressure, much like de Bernières’ own commitment to the cause. Family law must evolve to reflect the understanding that men and women are both deserving of the same protections and opportunities in family matters. Laws that perpetuate gender-based biases not only harm individuals, but they undermine the very notion of justice. The call for equality in family law is not just a plea for fairness for men, but for society as a whole. When the laws protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their gender, they ensure that justice is not a privilege but a right shared by all.

The lesson we must learn from de Bernières is clear: equality is a fight worth engaging in, even when the battle seems daunting. The journey toward a just society requires the continuous effort of those willing to lobby, to advocate, and to never give up until the scales of justice are balanced. This fight does not end with the recognition of one gender’s rights but must extend to the recognition of the rights of all, ensuring that no one is left behind. It calls us to reflect on how our laws and institutions must be shaped to reflect the true value of equality, not just as an ideal but as a living, breathing reality in the lives of every individual.

What can we do in our own lives to carry this truth forward? We must first acknowledge that equality is not something we can take for granted, but something that must be constantly fought for and maintained. Whether in our personal relationships or in our advocacy for justice, we must work toward creating systems and structures that support fairness for all people, regardless of gender. Let us challenge the biases that may exist in our own lives and ensure that we stand as advocates for those who are still denied their rights under the law. We must seek out and support those who champion equality, just as de Bernières has done, and work together to build a world where justice is not a privilege of the few, but a right for all.

Let us walk forward, then, with the understanding that the fight for equality is ongoing and requires our active participation. May we work to build a world where family law, and all laws, reflect the justice that is owed to every person, regardless of gender. Through advocacy, awareness, and action, we can move toward a future where equality is not just a goal, but a reality for all. And in doing so, we honor the timeless wisdom of justice, equality, and truth that guides us toward a more balanced and harmonious world.