Marriage Act 1978-40, Cap. 218A, Barbados
The Marriage Act 1978-40, as amended by 1979-13, 1979-32, 1980-55, 1982-27, 1983-2, 1994-11 and 1994-22, prohibits marriages between family members, according to Schedule 1. The Act does not expressly include or prohibit marriage between same-sex couples; however, same sex marriage is not recognized. Although the concept of “marriage” is not defined, the Act prohibits marriage between persons under 16 in section 4 (Marriage between persons under 16 years void). However, section 26 (Minors) states that if any minor intends to marry, then unless this minor is a widow/widower/divorced, consent of a person listed in Schedule 2 of the Act must be obtained. This includes the minor’s parent or guardian, or a judge if those persons are unavailable. A marriage between two persons, either of whom is lawfully married to another person, will be void. A marriage between two persons where the consent of either person was obtained by duress or such person is mentally incapable of understanding the nature of the ceremony will be void.
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Year
- 1995
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