Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Argentina under the Civil Code, provided no other prohibitions apply. The National Registry of Civil Status (Registro Nacional de las Personas) enforces these rules, with no explicit ban on first-cousin unions. Genetic counseling is not mandatory but may be recommended in practice.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Argentina
- Civil Code Provisions: Article 166 prohibits marriage between lineal ancestors/descendants and siblings, but does not restrict cousin unions. Consanguinity beyond these degrees is permissible.
- Age and Consent: Parties must meet the legal age of 18 (or 16 with judicial authorization) and provide free, informed consent. No additional familial consent is required for cousins.
- Local Enforcement: Provincial registries (e.g., Buenos Aires’ Registro Civil) verify eligibility but lack discretionary power to deny cousin marriages absent other legal barriers.
Recent Compliance Shifts: As of 2026, the Ministry of Justice has proposed amendments to the Civil Code to clarify genetic testing requirements for high-risk consanguineous marriages, though cousin unions remain unaffected. The National Genetic Data Bank (BNDG) may introduce voluntary screening protocols, but these are not legally binding.