The regulations governing the marriage relation in Austria and the other parts of the Empire represented in the Austrian Reichsrath are in general contained in the Austrian Civil Code, which became law on June 1, 1811, supplemented by later statutes, court decrees and ministerial edicts. Perhaps the most curious feature of Austrian law is that an absolute divorce can, for certain causes, be granted when both the parties are non-Catholic, but for Roman Catholics the bond of marriage is dissoluble only by the death of one party. DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE.--The Austrian Code defines marriage as follows: "The foundation of family relations is the marriage contract. In the marriage contract two persons of different sex legally declare their intention to live in inseparable union to beget children and to rear them up and to render each other mutual assistance." MARRIAGE QUALIFICATIONS.--1. There must be mental capacity. Insane, demented, imbecile parties or persons deprived of the free use of their minds by intoxication or any other cause cannot contract a binding marriage. 2. Minors must have completed their fourteenth year of age. 3. Minors of legitimate birth under 24 years of age require the consent of their parents or proper guardians. Illegitimate minors under 24 years of age require the consent not only of their legal guardians but also that of the court. 4. There must be free consent of both parties. 5. Physical capacity. Permanent and incurable impotence is an impediment to marriage. 6. Moral impediments. No person who has taken holy orders which involve a solemn vow to celibacy can contract a valid marriage. Marriages between Christians and Jews are forbidden. CONSANGUINITY AND AFFINITY.--Marriage is forbidden between ascendants and descendants, between full or half brothers and sisters, between first cousins and between uncles and nieces or aunts and nephews. The relationship may arise from legitimate or illegitimate birth. For Jews, however, the impediment of consanguinity extends no further in the collateral line than to marriage between brother and sister or between a woman and her nephew or grandnephew. A Roman Catholic is expressly forbidden to marry a divorced party until after the death of the latter's former consort. PRELIMINARIES.--A valid marriage can take place only after formal publication of the banns and the solemn declaration of consent. Banns are published by announcing the coming marriage together with the full names of both parties, their birthplace, status and residence, on three consecutive Sundays or holidays. In the case of Jews the banns must be published on three consecutive Saturdays or feast days. CELEBRATION.--The solemn declaration of consent must generally be given before the spiritual pastor of one of the parties or before his representative. Two witnesses are necessary.