Marrying Adopted Children: A Review of Iranian Laws

• In Event: Issues in Sexual Deviance

Abstract

Family is the oldest social group as it is a naturally-formed group that has been in place since the dawn of the human life. It is the most fundamental unit of the society and a home for human growth and development where children can experience healthy development and grow within a proper environment provided by their families. Obviously, children raised and nurtured in an environment devoid of familial love and attachment will be exposed to many forms of emotional crises. On the other hand, there are parents incapable of having children. To address this emotional need, many legal systems have provided for a concept known as adopted children.
Despite all advantages brought to individuals and the society through adoption, unfortunately it sometimes becomes the subject of misuses, including parents marrying their adopted children in several countries like Iran under certain conditions. Iranian law is based on the rules of Islam and Sharia, and Islamic law does not recognize adoption as a practice with legal origin. Therefore, marriage with adopted child is not prohibited.
Keywords: Adopted Child, Adoptive Parents, Marriage

Author

• Mojgan Amrollahi Byouki, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg