Chapter Text
DECREE NO. 74-12
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF PANEM
AN ACT TO PROMOTE NATIONAL UNITY, STABILITY, AND DEMOGRAPHIC SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH THE RECOGNITION OF INTERDISTRICT MARRIAGE
Issued by Authority of the Presidency of Panem
WHEREAS the continued prosperity of Panem depends upon the preservation of social harmony, economic productivity, and demographic growth;
WHEREAS recent declines in birth rates throughout the Capitol and the Districts threaten the long-term stability and security of the Nation;
WHEREAS artificial divisions between citizens of differing districts have hindered the development of a unified Panem identity and contributed to unnecessary social unrest;
WHEREAS marriage has long been recognized as a foundational institution through which citizens contribute to the strength, continuity, and future prosperity of the Nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, by the authority vested in the Office of the President under the Constitution of Panem and pursuant to the National Stability and Continuity Act, the following provisions shall take effect immediately:
SECTION I. RECOGNITION OF INTERDISTRICT MARRIAGE
- Marriage between two consenting adult citizens of Panem shall not be denied or invalidated solely on the basis of district of origin.
- Any citizen of the Capitol or of any District may lawfully enter into marriage with a citizen of another District or with a citizen of the Capitol.
- Such marriages shall be afforded the same legal status, rights, obligations, and protections as marriages contracted between citizens of the same district.
SECTION II. UNIFIED CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT
- In order to preserve administrative continuity and household allegiance, each marital household shall maintain a single district citizenship designation.
- Upon registration of an interdistrict marriage, one spouse shall voluntarily relinquish all district citizenship rights, privileges, and obligations associated with their district of origin.
- The relinquishing spouse shall assume the citizenship, residency, and labor designation of the remaining spouse.
- Such relinquishment shall be permanent and irrevocable except by express authorization of the Office of the President.
SECTION III. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
- Married couples formed under this Act shall establish permanent residence within the district or jurisdiction of their unified citizenship designation.
- Relocation to a third district following marriage shall not be permitted without executive approval.
- The marital household shall remain domiciled within its designated jurisdiction for the duration of the marriage.
SECTION IV. NATIONAL INTEGRATION PROGRAM
- The Ministry of Communications shall undertake educational and informational initiatives designed to encourage participation in interdistrict marriage and promote the benefits of national integration.
- Citizens entering into interdistrict marriage may be designated as participants in the National Integration Program and may be called upon to assist in public demonstrations of civic unity.
- Participants shall serve as examples of Panem's commitment to harmony, cooperation, and the shared future of all citizens.
SECTION V. FINDINGS
The Presidency finds that:
(a) Marriage is a stabilizing social institution essential to the future prosperity of Panem;
(b) The formation of households across traditional district boundaries advances national cohesion;
(c) Citizens are not diminished by joining together across district lines; rather, the Nation is strengthened by such unions;
(d) No law or custom shall deny two citizens the opportunity to establish a lawful household solely because they were born in different districts.
SECTION VI. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Decree shall take effect immediately upon publication.
All district governments, municipal authorities, Peacekeeper commands, and administrative offices shall take such actions as are necessary to ensure full compliance.
BY ORDER OF THE PRESIDENT
For the Unity of Panem.
For the Prosperity of Panem.
For the Future.
Coriolanus Snow
President of Panem