When I was checking into state regulations for marriage officiants and other marriage requirements in my state and Neal’s, I happened upon the information that Illinois allows first-cousin marriage for those couples wherein one of them is sterile or after a certain age (generally an age after menopause where the woman would not be likely to have a child).
I found this, which lists the states that allow first-cousin marriage, those that allow it under special circumstances, and those that just don’t allow it. (I should mention, however, for those of you from Minnesota: While this map lists you as a state that outlaws first-cousin marriage, it is legal for the indigenous population of your state. Native Americans can marry first-cousins there if it is part of their cultural tradition that it be allowed. Also, I’ve heard Texas outlawed first-cousin marriage but…I don’t really care enough to check it out. If it does trip your trigger and you check it out, let us know your findings.)
All states allow marriage between second cousins or further relation, which is odd, as I had always thought it was at least third cousins or further. Meh. I don’t have to worry about any of that because, while I do love and cherish my family members, I’ve never met one I’d like to marry.
Other countries, however, do not seem to have the prohibition the US does against first cousins marrying each other. In many countries, from what I’ve found, seem to encourage it. Just like the “old days.”
Ach, well. “Frankly, I don’t give a…” *
*Bonus points if you can tell me why that last sentence, while only semi-true, is really there.
Ewww? Are Scarlet and what’s-his-face first cousins? I didn’t know that… but your comments lead me to believe so… ugh.
And yeah, marrying inside the family at all just seems freakay and not cool. At all. Whatever the actual genetics, etc. involved, it just doesn’t seem like a good idea and grosses me out.
Wonder what the Bible has to say on it… now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure the whole marrying a sibling thing is out, but I can’t recall the other (if any) prohibitions along these lines.
Nope. No bonus points for you! Right book, wrong couple. (Haven’t seen the movie so I don’t know how this treats the issue. I did read the book in sixth or seventh grade so I remember vividly thinking, Ew!)
*chuckles*
Hello
I had a friend to tell me that he had married his first cousin.
It was upsetting to me because he was trying to be my new boyfriend
I feel that he is hard up for love that he wants for anyone.
I feel sorry for him
Thank you