Washington § 26.04.020 - Prohibited marriages.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 26.04.020 — Prohibited marriages., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26.04.020. Prohibited marriages.

(1) Marriages in the following cases are prohibited:
(a) When either party thereto has a spouse or registered domestic partner living at the time of such marriage, unless the registered domestic partner is the other party to the marriage; or
(b) When the spouses are nearer of kin to each other than second cousins, whether of the whole or half blood computing by the rules of the civil law.
(2) It is unlawful for any person to marry his or her sibling, child, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew.
(3) A marriage between two persons that is recognized as valid in another jurisdiction is valid in this state only if the marriage is not prohibited or made unlawful under subsection (1)(a) or (2) of this section.
(4) A legal union, other than a marriage, between two individuals that was validly formed in another state or jurisdiction and that provides substantially the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as a marriage, does not prohibit those same two individuals from obtaining a marriage license in Washington.
(5) No state agency or local government may base a decision to penalize, withhold benefits from, license, or refuse to contract with any religious organization based on the opposition to or refusal to provide accommodations, facilities, advantages, privileges, service, or goods related to the solemnization or celebration of a marriage.
(6) No religiously affiliated educational institution shall be required to provide accommodations, facilities, advantages, privileges, service, or goods related to the solemnization or celebration of a marriage, including a use of any campus chapel or church. A religiously affiliated educational institution shall be immune from a civil claim or cause of action, including a claim pursuant to chapter 49.60 RCW, based on its refusal to provide accommodations, facilities, advantages, privileges, service, or goods related to the solemnization or celebration of a marriage under this subsection shall be immune for civil claim or cause of action, including a claim pursuant to chapter 49.60 RCW.
[ 2012 c 3 s 2 (Referendum Measure No. 74, approved November 6, 2012); 1998 c 1 s 4; 1927 c 189 s 1; Code 1881 s 949; 1866 p 81 s 2; 1854 p 96 s 115; RRS s 8438.]

Notes

Notice—2012 c 3: See note following RCW 26.04.010.
Finding—Intent—1998 c 1: See notes following RCW 26.04.010.
Bigamy: RCW 9A.64.010.
Incest—Penalties: RCW 9A.64.020.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 26.04.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 26.04.020 cover?

Section 26.04.020 ("Prohibited marriages.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 26.04.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 26.04.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 26.04.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.