2006-10-28 08:10:37 · 41 answers · asked by The Turbanator 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
That depends what state you live in. In Virginia, you can marry a first cousin. In New York, you can marry a second cousin but not a first cousin.
2006-10-28 08:12:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Until quite recently the Roman Catholic Church prohibited it and for this reason it was prohibited also in predominantly Catholic countries. There were quite a number of people who wanted to marry their first cousins who would travel to countries such as the UK from countries such as Spain and Portugal in order to tie the knot. However, there has recently been a move in the United Kingdom towards making it illegal to marry one's first cousin because of the genetic risks involved. It is estimated that at least 55% of British Pakistanis are married to first cousins and the tradition is also common among some other South Asian communities and in some Middle Eastern countries. It would seem unlikely, however, that any change in the law could be introduced in a society which has for so many years accepted the right of cousins to marry.
2006-10-28 08:30:14 · answer #2 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont see why people make such a big deal about cousins getting married. My parents are first cousins. They are Irish and married in England. It is not illegal in either country. If you go to any doctor they will tell you that having children with a first cousin does not cause any defects as people like to say. There are five of us and we are all fit and healthy. We all have successful careers. Not missing eggs from the dozen!! The problem in some cultures is that they continually marry cousins. Interbreeding all the time. I know that this can cause problems for children down the line. But Im talking about marrying like this 6 generations down. If I married my first cousin, and then my daughter did the same and then her daughter did the same all in the one family. Then you would have something to worry about. Some people tend to be very small minded and think that marrying your cousin is as bad as your brother or sister. I say f***k them. I had enough bullying in school over my parents being first cousins. Utterly ridiculous now when I think about it but it still gets me so angry when I hear people talking about it as a crime. You cant help who you fall in love with. If your meant to be together thats all that matters.
2006-10-28 08:29:09 · answer #3 · answered by Teresa M 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
In most states it must be 2nd cousin or further. Unless you are over 65, then 1st cousin marraige is okay.
Might want to check the different state's standing on this.
2006-10-28 08:57:09 · answer #4 · answered by weddrev 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2006-10-30 00:17:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not legal because you share the same bloodline. Even if it were legal you should not want to be with a relative because it will cause too many problems.
2006-10-30 19:38:51 · answer #6 · answered by nygirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
being a minister myself and performing many weddings, the answer for the state of west virginia is no its not legal. but you may want to check with the court house in your area.
2006-10-28 10:38:24 · answer #7 · answered by eddy52 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends where you get married, doesn't it? Don't have kids with your cousin whatever you do. They will have terrible health problems and will probably die young. Do yourself a favour and find a non-relative to marry.
2006-10-28 09:47:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how closely related you are, 1st cousin? 2nd cousin? step cousin? Also, you need to check with the laws in your state, or else you could wind up in prison for incest
2006-10-28 08:44:37 · answer #9 · answered by hargonagain 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most places. Check with the local county recorder's office.
2006-10-28 08:12:44 · answer #10 · answered by the shadow knows 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋