Twins marrying twins

My twin brother and I have worn matching outfits, attended the same school, and shared the same hobbies and interests. We are currently dating twin sisters, and are thinking of marrying them. Our friends and family say it is weird and maybe even illegal. We will be heartbroken not to marry these twin sisters. However, we also do not want to find ourselves in trouble with the law. Is marrying twins to twins prohibited in Tanzania? Please advise us.
KD, Shinyanga

Congratulations. We assume the wedding news brought dinner-table debates!

Legally, the the Law of Marriage Act, Cap. 29 [R.E 2023] outlines prohibited relationships in section 14. Tanzanian law clearly defines a range of relationships in which marriage is strictly prohibited. No person may legally marry their grandparent, parent, child, grandchild, sibling, or extended close relatives such as great-aunt, great-uncle, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew. The law extends these restrictions to in-law relations as well, including the grandparent, parent, child, or grandchild of one’s current or former spouse.

Additionally, marrying the former spouse of one’s own grandparent, parent, child, or grandchild is forbidden. The law also prohibits marriage between adopted individuals and their adoptive parents or children. It makes no distinction between half-blood and full-blood relatives, treating both types of relationships equally in terms of legal impediments.

Furthermore, the legitimacy of birth, whether someone was born within or outside of wedlock, does not affect these prohibitions. Lastly, when referring to familial terms like grandparent, grandchild, great-uncle, or great-aunt, the law applies these restrictions regardless of degree, meaning even distant relations in those categories are covered. Anyone falling within these classifications is considered to be in a prohibited relationship, and under Tanzanian law, marriage between them is not permitted.

As long as each couple meets the minimum age requirement of 18 years, enters into the marriage with free will and full consent, you are free to marry anyone who does not fall into the prohibited relationship category. So, legally speaking, you are in the clear. No government office is going to raise an eyebrow, although your wedding guests definitely might. We can imagine the coordination, the matching outfits, the double anniversary. Just make sure people know which twin is marrying whom to save everyone some confusion. Consult your lawyer for further guidance.