In Sweden, marriage is regulated by the Marriage Code (Äktenskapsbalken) which also outlines several basic requirements. It is obligatory for both the individuals who wish to undergo the matrimony to reach eighteen years of age without exception in this case even for non-Swedish residents. This restriction is imposed to prevent the incidence of child marriages and everyone in Swedish territory is bound to comply with it (Regeringskansliet) (Informationsverige).
Laws also prohibit marriages between blood relatives. This includes, for instance, such marriages as that between parents and children or full siblings. However, half siblings are able to wed, although the permission from each County Administrative Board is required. This is to protect the people and the ethics surrounding the linkage within the family units.
Same-sex marriage allowed?
The new same-sex law was considered to be a remarkable achievement in Swedish history and it was incorporated in Sweden’s constitution in 2009 permitting in essence same sex marriages. This reform replaced the old partnership laws so that both heterosexual and homosexual individuals are treated as legally married in Sweden civil law. Both civil and church marriages will take place, though ministers are not compelled to undertake same sex weddings, civil registrars however are in law bound to do so
Hindersprövning
Couples have to go through a ‘hindersprövning’ also known as a legal impediment check before getting married. This procedure is performed by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), to ensure that there are no impediments, for example, marriage or blood relations to be wed. The certificate obtained from this check is valid for four months and is to be shown to the officiant of the wedding before the event takes place (Regeringskansliet).
There are also provisions in the Swedish marriage Laws that outlaws polygamy which therefore implies that people cannot remarry unless they have consummated any marriages or registered partnerships that they previously had. It is evident that there are legal provisions in Sweden concerning marriage that are intended to protect people’s rights, moral edifications, and gender equality.
Sources: Informationsverige.se, Regeringen.se
