N.S. updates marriage law, removes religious references and outdated ‘spinster’ reference

Nova Scotia is modernizing its outdated marriage law by, among other things, removing references to spinsters and illegitimate children.

As well, the new Marriage Act will be aligned with federal legislation by removing the authority for people under the age of 16 to marry.

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The province’s Liberal government says all religious references will be removed to make the law more inclusive.

Marriage licences, which must be purchased before two people can marry, will now be valid for three months instead of one year – a change that will make the law consistent with other jurisdictions.

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Service Nova Scotia Minister Geoff MacLellan says identity security will be improved by requiring both people who wish to marry to complete a marriage licence affidavit.

The legislation, which used to be called the Solemnization of Marriage Act, was introduced last fall and will come into effect on May 1.