Controversial monk the Venerable U Wirathu is organizing an assembly of monks in Mandalay on January 15 to discuss his proposal for a ban on inter-faith marriages.
About 5,000 monks are expected to attend the assembly, which is also being held to establish the Upper Myanmar Association for the Protection of Nationality and Religion, U Wirathu, the abbot of the Masoyein Taik Thit monastery in Mandalay, told Mizzima on January 9.
U Wirathu, known for his strong views against marriage between Buddhists and Muslims, said discussion about a draft law aimed at enforcing the ban would help to prevent further outbreaks of communal violence.
The Emergency Draft Law for Myanmar Buddhist Women was written by the Association for Protecting Nationality and Religion and released last June.
Pyithu Hluttaw MP, U Thein Ngunt, and Amyotha Hluttaw MP, Daw Khin Wine Kyi, said last year said they would submit the draft to parliament.
They said they would also submit a petition which shows community support for a ban on inter-faith marriage.
The assembly will be held at the Maha Atula Waiyan Bontha Ahtumashi monastery.
