Yes, cousin marriage is legal in the Czech Republic under strict conditions. The Civil Code (No. 89/2012 Coll.) permits marriages between first cousins if they meet health and consent requirements, with no explicit ban. However, the Ministry of Health’s 2023 decree mandates genetic counseling for couples with shared ancestry to assess hereditary risks. Local registrars (matriční úřady) enforce these rules, rejecting applications if medical reports indicate elevated genetic disorder probabilities.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Czech Republic
- Civil Code Compliance: Marriage between first cousins is permitted under § 656–660 of the Civil Code, provided no direct lineal relationship exists.
- Genetic Screening Mandate: Couples with consanguinity must undergo mandatory genetic testing per the Ministry of Health’s 2023 Decree No. 306/2023, which outlines counseling protocols.
- Registrar Discretion: Local matriční úřady (e.g., Prague’s Městský úřad) may deny applications if genetic reports reveal unacceptable hereditary risks, per § 661 of the Civil Code.