(1) As a rule, the marriage is not to be dissolved by divorce, although it has broken down, if and for as long as the maintenance of the marriage, in the interest of minor children of the family, is, exceptionally, necessary for particular reasons or if and as long as divorce, by reason of extraordinary circumstances, would constitute such a severe hardship for the respondent, who rejects it, that the maintenance of the marriage, exceptionally, appears to be advisable, even taking into account the concerns of the petitioner.
(2) (repealed)