Marriage Between Brother And Sister-In-Law: Is It Legal?

Marrying a sibling-in-law is not unheard of, and while it may be considered taboo by some, it is not illegal. A sibling-in-law is the spouse of one's sibling or the sibling of one's spouse. In the latter case, the two people in question are not directly related by blood, and therefore there is no legal or religious impediment to their marriage. However, in Islamic law (Sharia) and Jewish law (halakha), sexual relations between siblings-in-law are prohibited as incestuous unless the spouse is no longer married.

Can a brother and sister-in-law get married?

Marrying a brother/sister-in-law is not considered taboo by some people

While some people may not find it weird or wrong, others may view it as socially unacceptable or taboo. In some cultures and religions, such as Islamic law (Sharia) and Jewish law (halakha), sexual relations between siblings-in-law are prohibited as incestuous unless the spouse is no longer married. However, in Judaism, there was a custom called yibbum, where a man had a non-obligatory duty to marry his deceased brother's childless widow.

In the Christian context, specifically in the Catholic Church, marrying a sibling-in-law is permitted. Before 1983, the Church did not allow siblings-in-law to marry, but there may have been dispensations available. According to some interpretations of the Bible, if a brother and sister realize their marriage is considered a sin, they should not get a divorce. Instead, they should confess their sin and seek forgiveness from God.

Legally, marrying a sibling-in-law is allowed as long as there is no blood relation. People who spend a lot of time together may develop feelings for each other, and marrying a sibling-in-law can lead to unique family dynamics and closer relationships with extended family members. However, it is essential to consider the potential complexities and conflicts of interest that may arise, especially if the relationship ends.

In Islamic law (Sharia) and Jewish law (halakha), sexual relations between siblings-in-law are prohibited as incestuous

In Jewish law, there are several prohibited marriages outlined in the Torah, including those between siblings-in-law. Levirate marriage, or "yibbum", is a type of marriage in which a man is obliged to marry his brother's widow. This custom is derived from Deuteronomy 25:5, which states that if a man dies childless, his brother should marry the widow. However, this practice can lead to conflicts with another Torah law, Leviticus 18:18, which prohibits a man from marrying two sisters.

The Talmud discusses a similar situation, where a widow is left "in limbo" if her brother-in-law is unable or unwilling to perform either levirate marriage or halitzah, the alternative ceremony that releases her from the obligation to marry her brother-in-law. In such cases, the Talmud requires that any other available brother perform halitzah to grant the widow her freedom to marry someone else.

While the Torah does not explicitly mention sexual relations between siblings-in-law, it does provide an extensive list of forbidden relationships, including relations with a brother's wife or a wife's sister, which would encompass siblings-in-law. Additionally, the Torah forbids relationships between uncles and nieces, aunts and nephews, and other close relatives.

In Islamic law, or Sharia, sexual relations between siblings-in-law are also prohibited as incestuous. Islamic law prohibits marriages and sexual relations between close relatives, including siblings-in-law, to maintain the purity and integrity of the family unit. These laws are based on interpretations of the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, which emphasize the importance of maintaining strong family ties and avoiding forbidden relationships.

Both Jewish and Islamic laws place a strong emphasis on maintaining the sanctity of marriage and family relationships, and thus, sexual relations between siblings-in-law are prohibited in both religious traditions. These prohibitions are rooted in their respective sacred texts and are guided by religious leaders' interpretations of these texts.

The Church did not allow siblings-in-law to marry before 1983

The Code of Canon Law is based on old Roman law when it comes to family relationships. It defines the relationship between siblings-in-law as one of affinity, a type of kinship that does not relate to the person directly by blood. Siblings-in-law are the spouses of one's siblings or the siblings of one's spouse.

In 1983, Pope John Paul II abolished the impediment of affinity in the collateral line. This change in law was not arbitrary. It was observed that it is appropriate for a widow or widower to marry an in-law if their spouse dies and they are left with young children to raise.

In the present day, the Church allows siblings-in-law to marry. This is because there is no blood relation between the two parties. However, some people may still find it taboo or socially awkward, especially if the relationship ends in a fight or break-up.

In other cultures and belief systems, the rules around siblings-in-law marrying differ. For example, in Islamic law (Sharia) and Jewish law (halakha), sexual relations between siblings-in-law are prohibited as incestuous, unless the spouse is no longer married.

The Bible prohibits brothers and sisters from marrying in Leviticus 18

The Bible is clear in its prohibition of marriages between siblings, and this includes brothers and sisters-in-law. While it was not always considered wrong for brothers and sisters to marry, God no longer allows it. The first time God prohibited marriages within families is in Leviticus 18:6, which describes marriages that God considers to be incest. Verse 9 specifically forbids marriage or incest between a brother and sister, including half-siblings.

The chapter of Leviticus 18 outlines marriages that God considers to be incest, and it is here that God first describes such unions as "wickedness". The Bible also prohibits marriages between a man and his niece, as well as other close family members such as parent-child, grandparent-grandchild, and aunt-nephew.

The purpose of prohibiting marriages between siblings is likely due to the genetic defects that can occur when family members intermarry. Geneticists tell us that the risk of genetic defects increases when close relatives reproduce, and this may be why God no longer allows brothers and sisters to marry.

If a brother and sister marry without knowing that it is prohibited by God, their sin can be forgiven through confession. Jesus tells us in Matthew 19 that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Therefore, if a brother and sister are already married when they discover that their union is not allowed by God, they should not divorce but instead confess their sin and seek forgiveness.

Some people find it cute when brothers and sisters marry as it makes family gatherings easier

Marrying a sibling-in-law is not unheard of, and some people even find it cute. While it may be considered a social taboo by some, it is not illegal and is permitted by the Church. In fact, according to the Bible, after God created Adam and Eve, brothers and sisters had to marry one another for the population to increase. However, God later prohibited such marriages in Leviticus 18:6, which describes marriages that God considers incest.

Some people find it convenient when brothers and sisters marry as it makes family gatherings easier. This is because the children of the two couples are double cousins, having the same family on both sides. This can lead to some funny conversations and create new relationship opportunities.

However, it is important to note that in Islamic law (Sharia) and Jewish law (halakha), sexual relations between siblings-in-law are considered incestuous and prohibited unless the spouse is no longer married. Additionally, if a married couple realizes that they are siblings-in-law, they are not required to divorce according to the Bible. Instead, they should confess their sins and seek forgiveness from God.

While some may find it cute or convenient, others may find it strange or even wrong. It is not a common occurrence, and it may raise some eyebrows within families as it is not the norm. Nonetheless, as long as there is no blood relation, marrying a sibling-in-law is legally and religiously permissible in most cases.

Frequently asked questions