Political Constitution of the Republic of Guatemala 1985, as amended to 1993
Religious Law
  • English

    The juridical personality of the Catholic Church is recognized. The other churches, cults, entities, and associations of religious character will obtain the recognition of their juridical personality in accordance with the rules of their institution[,] and the Government may not deny it[,] aside from reasons of public order.
    … (Art. 37)

  • Spanish

    Se reconocer la personalidad jurídica de la Iglesia Católica. Las otras iglesias, cultos, entidades y asociaciones de carácter religioso obtendrán el reconocimiento de su personalidad jurídica conforme las reglas de su institución y el Gobierno no podrá negarlo si no fuese por razones de orden público.
    … (Art. 37)

Religious Law
  • English

    The [state of] matrimony may be authorized by the mayors [alcaldes], council members, notaries in exercise [of their function] and [by] religious ministers authorized [facultados] by the corresponding administrative authority. (Art. 49)

  • Spanish

    El matrimonio podrá ser autorizado por los alcaldes, concejales, notarios en ejercicio y ministros de culto facultados por la autoridad administrativa correspondiente. (Art. 49)

Customary Law
  • English

    Guatemala is formed by diverse ethnic groups among which are found the indigenous groups of Mayan descent. The State recognizes, respects, and promotes their forms of life, customs, traditions, forms of social organization, the use of the indigenous attire by men and women, [and their] languages and dialects. (Art. 66)

  • Spanish

    Guatemala está formada por diversos grupos étnicos entre los que figuran los grupos indígenas de ascendencia maya. El Estado reconoce, respeta y promueve sus formas de vida, costumbres, tradiciones, formas de organización social, el uso del traje indígena en hombres y mujeres, idiomas y dialectos. (Art. 66)

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