The Marriage (Amendment) Act 2002 amends the Marriage Ordinance (Cap. 54) of Kiribati. It provides that marriages involving individuals under the age of 21 who are not widowed are prohibited unless parental or guardian consent is obtained. Some sources claim that the age is 18 with consent, but the statutory law currently supports the age of 21.
The Marriage Act (the “Act”) stipulates that the minimum age for a legally valid marriage is 16 years old. However, a girl under the age of 16 who becomes pregnant, may apply to the High Court to be married to the father of the child. Marriage between parties younger than 18 years old must receive parental consent to marry. The Act prohibits marriage between family members or individuals related by blood. A superintendent registrar who knowingly authorizes a marriage which is void may be sentenced to two years in prison.
