limping marriage; internationally asymmetric marriage
A legal/sociological term for a marriage that is valid in one country but not recognized in another, often due to differences in laws on same-sex marriage, polygamy, or age of consent. The kanji 跛行 literally means 'limping', reflecting the uneven legal standing.
In countries where same-sex marriage is not recognized, limping marriages established abroad can become an issue.
The legal status of limping marriages is an important topic in private international law.
Compound of 跛行 (hakō, 'limping') and 婚 (kon, 'marriage'), calque of English 'limping marriage'. The term is used in legal contexts to describe a marriage that 'limps' because it is valid in one jurisdiction but not another.