Where First Cousin Marriage Is Still Legal As Florida Fails To Pass Ban

Florida lawmakers have once again failed to move forward with a ban on first cousin marriage, as a proposed bill did not pass through the state Senate. Even with growing debate around the topic, this type of relationship remains legal for a surprisingly large portion of the population, with about one in three Americans living in places where it is still allowed.

While some people in Florida may not see an issue with the law staying as it is, especially those who joke about having family ties through marriage, others in government are clearly frustrated that no change has been made. The topic continues to divide opinions, and efforts to regulate it have not gained enough support to pass.

The sponsor of the bill, Republican state Rep. Dean Black, spoke openly about his disappointment when discussing the outcome with Action News Jax. He explained his position clearly, saying: "There are plenty of people here, and there are plenty of people you can find to be your lifelong partner without looking to your first cousin."

Across the United States, marriages between first cousins make up a very small portion of total unions, estimated at around 0.2 percent. However, research has pointed out that these relationships may be linked to higher risks when it comes to infant health, including increased chances of birth defects and early child mortality.

Marrying your cousin would at least make the wedding list easier to organize Getty Stock

A recent study carried out in Bradford, England, looked closely at communities where cousin marriages are more common. In the town’s Pakistani community, where about 60 percent of marriages are considered 'consanguineous', meaning between first cousins, researchers found that these couples experienced roughly double the rate of birth defects and child deaths compared to unrelated couples.

The tradition of marrying within the family is still seen in many parts of the Middle East, and historically it was also common in Western societies. In fact, it was only around the mid-19th century that many US states began introducing laws to ban or restrict such marriages.

Although some of these marriages are based on personal choice and emotional connection, many have historically been tied to practical reasons. These include keeping property, wealth, and inheritance within the family, which was often seen as a way to maintain stability and control over assets across generations.

Even with long-standing concerns and ongoing debate around incestuous relationships, a number of US states still allow first cousin marriages under the law. On the other hand, some states take a stricter approach and completely ban not only marriage but also any form of close-relative relationships.

Several of the most populated states in the country have not introduced bans on this practice. For example, California, which is home to about 11 percent of the US population, continues to allow first cousins to marry, live together, and have children without legal restriction.

In total, there are 16 states where first cousin marriage is fully legal. However, it is important to note that not every state recognizes these unions, and some states will refuse to acknowledge marriages performed elsewhere if they go against local laws.

Renowned genius physicist Albert Einstein married his first cousin Elsa, though they didn't have kids George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images

States where you can marry your cousin

Laws around cousin marriage in the US are not consistent and vary widely from one state to another. Even in places where marriage is banned, some states still allow couples to live together, or they apply restrictions only to people who are able to have children.

States where it is fully legal to marry your cousin:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Massachussetts
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina (except for double-first cousins)
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington DC

States where you can marry your cousin under certain conditions:

• Arizona (both over 65, or one person infertile)
• Illinois (both over 50, or one person infertile)
• Indiana (both over 65)
• Maine (both same sex, or had genetic counselling)
• Minnesota (only native peoples)
• Utah (both over 65, or both over 55 and one person infertile)
• Wisconsin (woman is over 55, or one person infertile)

States where you cannot marry your cousin

In some states, the rules are strict and leave no room for exceptions. In these places, marriage between first cousins is completely prohibited, and in most cases, these states will also refuse to recognize such marriages even if they were legally performed in another state.

• Arkansas
• Delaware
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wyoming