only in cases of defamation of individuals, or defamation or insult of courts, tribunals and government officials. The national press enjoyed complete autonomy and there was no legal or de facto censorship. With regard to marriages of persons belonging to different religions, the representative explained that there were no obstacles to a marriage between a Moroccan Muslim male and a foreign Christian or Jewish female. A Christian or Jewish man who intended to marry a Moroccan Muslim woman had to convert to Islam first. Freedom of assembly and association 68. With regard to that issue, members of the Committee wished to know what the criteria and procedures were for the registration of associations and what the status and role of trade unions were in Moroccan economic, social and political life. 69. In reply, the representative stated that article 9 of the Constitution guaranteed to all citizens freedom of association and the freedom to join any political organization or labour union. Several unions existed and played an important role in the defence of the interests of their members, participating actively in decision-making at the national and local levels. Associations could be freely established on condition of the deposit with the public prosecutor's office and the local authorities of a declaration stating the name and purposes of the association as well as other information concerning the civil status of the founding members. The dahir of 1958 provided that associations were null if based on illegal goals, were in contravention of the law or morality, or threatened the territorial integrity or the monarchic form of the State. Protection of the family and children 70. With regard to that issue, members of the Committee wished to receive a description of the relevant provisions of the Code of Personal Status and Succession and information as to their compatibility with article 23, paragraph 4, of the Covenant; information on the law and practice regarding the employment of minors; information on the role of the wali. or legal guardian, in the case of marriage before the age of legal majority; and on the possibilities of recourse to a court in the event the wali refused to give his consent. 71. In reply, the representative stated that under article 3 of the Moroccan Nationality Code, there were three sets of rules governing, respectively, the personal status of Moroccan Muslims, Moroccan Jews and non-Muslim and non-Jewish Moroccans. The Code of Personal Status and Succession was applicable in Morocco only to Muslims, non-Muslims being subject to their own laws. Children under the age of 12 were not permitted to work and juveniles under the ages of 18 were prohibited from working in certain trades on grounds of health and security. The work of minors in mines was prohibited. The wali was a male member of the family of a woman under the age of legal consent who was to be married. Right to participate in the conduct of public affairs 72. With reference to that issue, members of the Committee asked how equitable access of women and of religious minorities to public office was -16-