Ban on cousin marriages is coming
Austria is preparing to implement a new law banning child marriages and marriages between cousins. The law, which will take effect in August, also raises the legal age of marriage to 18.
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Research indicating that a significant portion of hereditary disorders stems from cousin marriages is leading to steps being taken worldwide to ban such unions. Following Norway, Austria has become one of the countries to take action on this issue. Turkey, meanwhile, remains among the countries where cousin marriages are most frequent.
With the rising number of refugees in Europe, cousin marriages have begun to be viewed as a serious issue in the West. Countries such as the UK and Norway have also taken measures regarding this matter.
MARRIAGE AGE RAISED TO 18
The bill accepted by the Austrian government raises the legal age for marriage from 16 to 18 and bans marriages between cousins. The bill will be voted on in the National Council after being discussed in the parliamentary subcommittee.
With the law coming into effect, only individuals who have reached the age of 18 will be able to marry, and marriages between close relatives will be prohibited.