Austria introduces marriage ban for under 18 year olds and cousin marriages!

Austria introduces marriage ban for under 18 year olds and cousin marriages!

From August 2025, a comprehensive ban on marriage for people under the age of 18 will come into force in Austria. This also includes marriages between cousins. The corresponding government template is handed over to the parliament, with a decision by the National Council before the summer 2025. Justice Minister Anna Sporrer (SPÖ) announced the measures and emphasized that this was the protection of young people, especially young women, against early marriages. "We want young people between the ages of 16 and 18 to concentrate on their training and professional perspectives," said Sporrer.

Marriage in Austria from the age of 18 is currently allowed. However, minors can say yes with judicial approval from the age of 16. These exceptions should be canceled with the new regulation. According to Unicef, children's marriage is defined as a formal marriage in which at least one of the partners under the age of 18 is. So far, such marriages have been legally permissible, but the new law will help strengthen the rights of young people and to avoid forced situations. Family Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) sees the ban as a decisive step against children's marriages.

statistics and trends

The number of marriages under the age of 18 has dropped drastically in recent years. In 2015 there were almost 50 cases, while in 2023 only ten marriages of people under the age of 18 were registered. For 2024, another decline is expected to only six cases. This illustrates the decreasing trend in terms of early marriages in Austria. According to Sporrer's statement, the ban concerns only a few young people, but have an immense importance for them.

The marriage ban under the age of 18 is also extended to relatives up to the fourth degree of the sidelines, such as cousins ​​and nieces. In addition, the public prosecutor is given the opportunity to sue the elimination of a marriage or registered partnership if there is no wife. This is intended to prevent forced marriage cases that are already considered a criminal offense in Austria. Sporrer points out that the legal foundations for a federal prosecutor's office will be developed quickly and that a fundamental concept is to be presented before the summer.

social statement

The Minister Sporrer emphasizes that the measures are not only legal in nature, but also reflect a social attitude. The planned laws are based on international requirements, such as the Child Rights Convention. Plakolm supports the initiative and emphasizes that marriages in Austria should be closed out of free will, not from family or traditional pressure. The new regulation is evaluated by many as an important step towards equality and legal protection of young women.

Overall, the government aims to avoid early obligations and unwanted situations through the new regulations. With a clear focus on education and independence, young people in Austria should be given the opportunity to make their future independently.

For more information about these important changes in legislation, please visit the articles from vienna.at kosmo.at .