Which U.S. States Permit First Cousin Marriage- A Comprehensive Guide

What States Allow You to Marry Your First Cousin

In many cultures, the idea of marrying a first cousin is considered taboo or even illegal. However, the laws regarding cousin marriage vary significantly from one country to another and even within different states in the United States. This article explores what states allow you to marry your first cousin and the implications of such unions.

Legal Status of Cousin Marriage in the United States

The United States is a federal system, which means that marriage laws are primarily determined at the state level. As a result, the legality of cousin marriage varies from one state to another. While some states have explicitly banned cousin marriage, others have no laws against it, and a few even recognize it as legal.

States That Allow Cousin Marriage

Here is a list of states in the United States that allow cousin marriage:

1. Alabama
2. Alaska
3. Arizona
4. Arkansas
5. California
6. Colorado
7. Connecticut
8. Delaware
9. Florida
10. Georgia
11. Hawaii
12. Idaho
13. Illinois
14. Indiana
15. Iowa
16. Kansas
17. Kentucky
18. Louisiana
19. Maine
20. Maryland
21. Massachusetts
22. Michigan
23. Minnesota
24. Mississippi
25. Missouri
26. Montana
27. Nebraska
28. Nevada
29. New Hampshire
30. New Jersey
31. New Mexico
32. New York
33. North Carolina
34. North Dakota
35. Ohio
36. Oklahoma
37. Oregon
38. Pennsylvania
39. Rhode Island
40. South Carolina
41. South Dakota
42. Tennessee
43. Texas
44. Utah
45. Vermont
46. Virginia
47. Washington
48. West Virginia
49. Wisconsin
50. Wyoming

States That Ban Cousin Marriage

On the other hand, several states have explicitly banned cousin marriage. These states include:

1. Alabama
2. Arkansas
3. Colorado
4. Florida
5. Georgia
6. Idaho
7. Indiana
8. Iowa
9. Kansas
10. Kentucky
11. Louisiana
12. Maine
13. Maryland
14. Massachusetts
15. Michigan
16. Mississippi
17. Missouri
18. Montana
19. Nebraska
20. New Hampshire
21. New Jersey
22. New Mexico
23. North Carolina
24. Oklahoma
25. South Carolina
26. Tennessee
27. Texas
28. Virginia
29. West Virginia

Implications of Cousin Marriage

While cousin marriage is legal in many states, it still raises ethical and genetic concerns. Some experts argue that cousin marriage can lead to an increased risk of genetic disorders due to the higher likelihood of sharing harmful recessive genes. Additionally, there are social and cultural implications to consider, as some communities may view cousin marriage as inappropriate or taboo.

In conclusion, the legality of cousin marriage in the United States varies by state. While many states allow it, others have banned it outright. It is essential for individuals considering a cousin marriage to be aware of the laws in their specific state and to consider the potential implications of such a union.