Cousin-In-Laws: Can They Marry?

Marrying your cousin is a controversial topic, with laws and social norms varying by jurisdiction. In the US, cousin marriage laws are governed by individual states, with 25 states permitting at least some form of first-cousin marriage. However, these laws often come with restrictions, such as age limits or requirements for genetic counselling. While some states prohibit cousin marriage altogether, others may only allow marriages between first cousins once removed or half-cousins. The legality of cousin marriage is closely tied to incest laws, and social perceptions of marrying one's cousin vary across different cultures and countries.

Can cousin-in-laws get married?

Cousin marriage laws vary by state and country

Laws regarding cousin marriages vary significantly across the world. In the United States, cousin marriage is legal in some form in more than half of the 50 states. However, there are specific conditions in many states. For example, in Arizona, first cousins can only marry if one or both parties are 65 or older or if one or both are infertile. In Illinois, the age limit is set at 50, while in Indiana, it is 65. In North Carolina, first cousins are allowed to marry as long as they are not double first cousins, i.e., cousins through both parental lines. In Maine, first cousins can marry if they agree to undergo genetic counselling.

In some states, first cousins are prohibited from marrying but are allowed to cohabit and have sexual relations. This is the case in Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. In other states, first cousins cannot marry, nor can they live together or have sexual relations. These states include Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, and North Dakota.

Outside of the US, cousin marriage is also legal in many countries, although the specific laws and cultural norms vary. In the Middle East, cousin marriage has been both praised and discouraged throughout history, with some of the highest rates of consanguineous marriages in the world found in Arab countries. In Iraq, the "right of the cousin" has traditionally been followed, and in the 19th-century Syrian city of Aleppo, the rate of cousin marriage among the elite was estimated to be around 24%. In Muslim-majority countries, cousin marriage is common in rural areas to preserve land ownership within the lineage.

In India, the legality of cousin marriage depends on religious and cultural practices. For Muslims, it is acceptable and legal to marry a first cousin, while for Hindus, it may be illegal under the 1955 Hindu Marriage Act, although the situation is more complex and influenced by regional customs. In China, North Korea, South Korea, the Philippines, and some countries in the Balkans, first-cousin marriage is prohibited.

Marriage between cousins is considered incest in some places

In certain cultures and communities, cousin marriages are actively encouraged and expected, while in others, they are subject to social stigma and taboo. For example, the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, who are predominantly Christian, strictly practice non-consanguineal marriages, where cousins are not allowed to marry or have intimacy. This prohibition against cousin marriage was already present before the advent of Christianity through colonisation, and arranged marriages were used to prevent accidental consanguineal marriages.

On the other hand, cousin marriage was historically practised by indigenous cultures in Australia, North America, South America, and Polynesia. Even within the same country, the acceptance of cousin marriage can vary among different ethnic and religious groups. For instance, in Ethiopia, most of the population has historically been rigidly opposed to cousin marriage, but cross-cousin marriage is very rare among Ethiopian Muslims as well.

The laws regarding cousin marriage also vary within the same country. In the United States, for example, marriage between first cousins is legal in many states, but the specific regulations differ. While some states, like Alabama and Alaska, allow first cousins to marry, have sexual relations, and cohabitate, other states impose restrictions. In Arizona, first cousins can only marry if one or both parties are 65 or older or if one or both are infertile. In Illinois, first cousins can marry if both are 50 or older or if one is infertile, while in Indiana, they must be 65 or older. Some states, like Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, and North Dakota, prohibit marriage between first cousins but allow them to cohabitate and have sexual relations.

Health risks to children of cousins are often cited as a concern

Marriage between first cousins is prohibited in many places. However, in many of America's 50 states, marriage in some form between first cousins is legal. For instance, in Alabama, Alaska, and Arizona, first cousins are allowed to marry. In Arizona, first cousins can only marry if one or both parties are 65 or older or if one or both are infertile. In Illinois, first cousins are allowed to marry only if both parties are 50 or older or if one of the parties is infertile. In Indiana, first cousins can marry only if both parties are 65 or older. In Iowa, Kansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania, first cousins are not allowed to marry. However, in some of these states, first cousins can still cohabitate and have sexual relations.

The higher risks of congenital problems in babies born to close relatives are well established. The largest study of its kind in the UK looked at 11,300 babies born to a range of ethnic groups in Bradford, West Yorkshire, which has higher levels of blood marriage in the city's large Pakistani community. The study found that first cousin marriages greatly increased birth defects and the chance of a baby dying early. The national rate for congenital defects is around 166 in every 10,000 babies, but in Bradford, this nearly doubles to about 306 per 10,000 births.

However, others have argued that there is no biological reason to discourage cousins from marrying. A report in The New York Times notes that unrelated people with genetic disorders have far higher levels of risk than first cousins, and they have children. The report also states that laws against cousin marriage should be abolished. Another study in The Lancet found that higher levels of education about pregnancy halved the risk of babies born with genetic defects across all ethnic groups.

Cousin marriage rates are higher among the rural poor

Marrying one's cousin is a practice that has been observed in many societies and communities throughout history, and it continues to be prevalent in some parts of the world today. While the legality of cousin marriages varies across different jurisdictions, with some countries and states prohibiting it while others permit it under certain conditions, the rates of cousin marriages are notably higher among the rural poor populations.

In rural areas, the rates of cousin marriages tend to be higher compared to urban regions. This disparity can be attributed to various cultural, economic, and social factors that are more pronounced in rural communities. One significant factor is the reduced financial burden associated with cousin marriages. In many traditional societies, the expectation of a substantial dowry or bride price can be a barrier to marriage. However, when individuals marry their cousins, the dowry or bride price is often token or significantly reduced, making it a more financially viable option for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Additionally, cousin marriages are influenced by the limited pool of potential marriage partners in rural areas. The isolation and smaller populations of rural communities mean that individuals have fewer choices when it comes to finding a spouse. As a result, cousins may be seen as a more attractive option, especially if they share similar cultural, religious, and social backgrounds, which are important factors in many societies.

Furthermore, cousin marriages have been associated with the desire to maintain family estates and wealth within the family over generations. In some rural communities, particularly those with a strong land-owning or elite class, cousin marriages are used as a strategy to consolidate power and resources within a smaller circle. This practice is often driven by the need to preserve the family's social and economic status.

The rates of cousin marriages among the rural poor also correlate with lower average ages at marriage. In these communities, individuals tend to marry at younger ages compared to their urban counterparts. This trend is influenced by various cultural and social factors unique to each community. Additionally, the educational attainment of individuals plays a role, with lower-educated individuals being more likely to engage in cousin marriages.

While cousin marriages among the rural poor have been a common occurrence, it is important to note that this practice has been declining in some regions due to increasing awareness of potential genetic and health risks associated with consanguineous relationships. As access to education and healthcare improves, individuals are becoming more informed about the risks of recessive genetic disorders, which are more prevalent in children born to closely related parents. As a result, some communities are witnessing a shift away from cousin marriages towards marriages with more distant relatives or individuals from outside the family.

Some states recognise cousin marriages performed elsewhere

Marrying your cousin is a controversial topic in the United States, with laws varying from state to state. While some states prohibit first-cousin marriages, others allow them under specific conditions, and some recognise cousin marriages performed in other states.

In Alabama and Alaska, first cousins are permitted to marry, and they can also have sexual relations and live together. Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Utah, and Wisconsin allow first-cousin marriages but with certain restrictions, such as age or infertility. For example, in Arizona, at least one spouse must be 65 or older or unable to reproduce. On the other hand, states like Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, and many others prohibit first-cousin marriages.

It is important to note that cousin marriage laws can be intricate, and some states make distinctions between different types of cousins, such as half-cousins or adopted cousins. The degree of blood relationship also plays a role in the legality of cousin marriages. While some states prohibit any sexual relations or cohabitation between cousins, others allow first cousins to live together and have sexual relations even if they cannot marry.

Despite the variations in laws across states, it is worth mentioning that some states that prohibit first-cousin marriages still recognise such marriages performed in other states. This means that even if a couple cannot legally marry as first cousins in their home state, they may be able to marry in a different state where it is permitted and have their marriage recognised back home. However, it is essential to consult a legal professional for specific guidance, as laws can be complex and subject to change.

While the practice of marrying one's first cousin is less common in the United States, it is more socially acceptable in other parts of the world. The legality of cousin marriages and the associated incest laws vary across jurisdictions, and individuals should be aware of the specific laws in their area.

Frequently asked questions