With reference to your question about Baha’i marriage, there
is nothing in the Writings to indicate or imply that Baha’i marriage is open
only to those who are physically able to have children. The bearing of children
is but one of the purposes of marriage, albeit the primary one. The
consummation of marriage by a couple is an intimate and private matter outside
the scrutiny of others. While consummation normally implies a sexual
relationship, the Baha’i law requiring consummation to take place within
twenty-four hours of the wedding ceremony can be considered fulfilled if the
couple has commenced cohabitation with the intention of establishing the family
relationship.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a letter dated 14 February 1984 written on behalf of the
Universal House of Justice to an individual believer; published in Baha’i
Studies Bulletin, 3.4, December 1995)
