Hong Kong Ordinances

MARRIAGE REFORM ORDINANCE - SECT 2

Interpretation

(Past version on 30/06/1997).

Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 34 of 1999 s. 3 In this
Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires-

"appointed day" (指定日期) means 7 October 1971; (Replaced 34 of 1999 s.
3)

"Chinese law and custom" (中國法律與習俗) means such of the laws and
customs of China as would immediately prior to 5 April 1843 have been
applicable to Chinese inhabitants of Hong Kong; (Amended 34 of 1999 s. 3)

"customary marriage" (舊式婚姻) means a marriage celebrated in Hong Kong
in accordance with section 7;

"designated public officer" (指明公職人員) means a public officer
designated for the purposes of Part V by the Chief Executive under section 22;
(Amended 34 of 1999 s. 3)

"Modern marriage" (新式婚姻) means a marriage celebrated in Hong Kong
before the appointed day by open ceremony as a modern marriage and in the
presence of 2 or more witnesses;

"parties to a customary marriage" (舊式婚姻的雙方) means the husband
and the principal wife (tsai) whether such wife is a kit fat or a tin fong
wife;
and, for the avoidance of doubt, "party to a customary marriage"
(舊式婚姻的一方) does not include a concubine (tsip);

"Registrar" (登記官) means the Registrar of Marriages, and any deputy
registrar of marriages, appointed under section 3 of the Marriage  Ordinance (
Cap 181);

"validated marriage" (認可婚姻) means a modern marriage made valid by
section  8 .

"appointed day" (指定日期)

"Chinese law and custom" (中國法律與習俗)

"customary marriage" (舊式婚姻)

"designated public officer" (指明公職人員)

"Modern marriage" (新式婚姻)

"parties to a customary marriage" (舊式婚姻的雙方)

"party to a customary marriage" (舊式婚姻的一方)

"Registrar" (登記官)

"validated marriage" (認可婚姻)