Section 1: Definitions
1.1 Marriage: The legal union between two consenting people, regardless of their gender, recognized by the state.
1.2 Spouse: A person who is legally married to another person.

Section 2: Marriage Requirements
2.1 Consent: Both parties entering into marriage must provide their free and informed consent.
2.2 Prohibited Marriages: Marriages between close blood relatives, such as siblings and direct lineal descendants, are prohibited. Marriages involving more than two parties are not recognized.

Section 3: Solemnization of Marriage
3.1 Marriage Officiants: Marriages can be solemnized by authorized celebrants, including religious leaders, civil servants, or other individuals designated by the government.
3.2 Marriage License: Prior to solemnization, couples must obtain a marriage license from the appropriate government authority.
3.3 Ceremony: The marriage ceremony may be conducted in accordance with the couple’s cultural or religious traditions or through a civil ceremony as recognized by the state.

Section 4: Rights and Responsibilities
4.1 Equality: All married couples, regardless of gender, shall enjoy the same legal rights, benefits, and responsibilities conferred by the institution of marriage.
4.2 Name Change: Individuals have the option to change their surname upon marriage, subject to existing laws governing name changes.

Section 5: Dissolution of Marriage
5.1 Divorce: Couples may seek divorce through legal proceedings. The dissolution of marriage shall be conducted in a fair and equitable manner, considering the rights and interests of both parties and any children involved.
5.2 Dissolution of Same-Sex Marriages: Dissolution of same-sex marriages shall be treated in the same manner as opposite-sex marriages, with no discriminatory practices or additional requirements.

Section 6: Recognition of Foreign Marriages
6.1 Recognition: Marriages legally contracted in foreign jurisdictions shall be recognized as valid in Alexopolis, provided they meet the requirements for marriage as established in Section 2 of this Act.

Section 7: Miscellaneous Provisions
7.1 Religious Freedom: No religious institution shall be compelled to perform or recognize marriages that are contrary to their beliefs or tenets.
7.2 Privacy and Confidentiality: Personal information obtained during the marriage registration process shall be treated with confidentiality.

Section 8: Implementation and Enforcement
8.1 Responsibility: The Ministry shall be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this Act.
8.2 Penalties: Violations of this Act shall be subject to appropriate legal penalties as determined by the courts.

This Act shall come into effect upon its passage and publication.