Is marrying your first cousin illegal in Illinois?
Is marrying your first cousin illegal in Illinois?
Although cousin marriage is popular in many parts of the world and legal in about a third of the states, it has been prohibited in Illinois from 1887 to date. First cousins were permitted to marry in 1981, but only if both were over 65.
Does marrying your first cousin cause birth defects?
They say there is no biological reason to discourage cousins from marrying. First cousins are somewhat more likely than unrelated parents to have a child with a serious birth defect, mental retardation or genetic disease, but their increased risk is nowhere near as large as most people think, the scientists said.
What states allow marriage between first cousins?
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),
Can half first cousins marry?
As you'll see, many states allow first cousin marriages only if there will be no offspring from those marriages. Others allow cousin marriages only in special circumstances. An adoptive cousin or a half-cousin may be allowed to marry. California: First cousins, yes.
