The existence of "mamzer" status as a category in Israeli family law has been criticized. An extensive review and opinion advocating the adoption of civil marriage in Israel, written by Prof. Pinhas Shifman and published in July 2001 by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, mentions "Mamzer" among the categories of Israelis which, Professor Shifman believes, should have the right to marry spouses of their choice and, he argues, current Israeli law interferes with and denies this right. Professor Shifman and ACRI advocate ending the religious monopoly over marriage in Israel and cite the existence and difficulties of "mamzer" status as an argument against the use of religious law in marriage cases.