If a couple was married by religious rites only (i.e by an Imam in the Muslim religion, or a priest in the Hindu religion), they used to be considered to be illegitimate. However, under the Children’s Act it removed the status of calling children illegitimate. Both parents have a legal duty to support them. In terms of the Children’s Act, whether fathers are regarded in law as married or unmarried, they automatically have parental responsibilities and rights if certain specified conditions are present. (See Parental responsibilities and rights; See Parental responsibilities and rights of unmarried fathers)