Where are cousin marriages allowed?

According to the NCSL, cousin marriage is legal in: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina (in North Carolina, first-cousin marriage is legal, but double-cousin marriage is prohibited).

Do all US states outlaw marriage of first cousins?

Twenty-four states prohibit marriages between first cousins. Twenty states and the District of Columbia allow cousins to marry; six states permit first-cousin marriage only under certain circumstances.

What states ban first-cousin marriages?

The states imposing some form of a cousin ban are: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Texas.

Why is first-cousin marriage illegal in the US?

For most Americans, however, marriage between cousins is at best a punchline, at worst a taboo. In many states, it is illegal for first cousins to get married. The objections are ostensibly based on the risk of genetic problems. The genetic risks in question are related to something called unmasking.

Is it against the law to marry your first cousin?

California. In California, first cousins are allowed to marry, and they are also allowed to have sexual relations and cohabitate. First cousins once-removed, half-cousins and cousins through adoption are also allowed to marry.

Is it OK to marry your first cousin?

In the United States, second cousins are legally allowed to marry in every state. However, marriage between first cousins is legal in only about half of the American states.

Is it OK for first cousins to marry?

Is it legal to marry your first cousin in America?

, 24 U.S. states prohibit marriages between first cousins, 19 U.S. states allow marriages between first cousins, and seven U.S. states allow only some marriages between first cousins. Seven states prohibit first-cousin-once-removed marriages.

Which countries do not allow first cousins marriage?

Taiwan, North Korea and South Korea and the Philippines all have bans on first cousin marriage. Religion plays a big part in many respects. In Hinduism for example, the Marriage Act bans first cousin marriage, but allows it if it fits with local custom. North Indian Hindus for example treat it as incest, while South Indian Hindus do not.

Is it legal to marry your first cousin in the Philippines?

Taiwan, North Korea and South Korea and the Philippines all have bans on first cousin marriage. Religion plays a big part in many respects. In Hinduism for example, the Marriage Act bans first cousin marriage, but allows it if it fits with local custom.

Do states recognize cousin marriages performed in another state?

Some states prohibiting cousin marriage recognize cousin marriages performed in other states, but despite occasional claims that this holds true in general, laws also exist that explicitly void all foreign cousin marriages or marriages conducted by state residents out of state. Data on cousin marriage in the United States is sparse.