How far "removed" must I be from a cousin in order to be allowed to date them? 2nd? 3rd?

Answer 1

As they said, you can date anyone you want.
In almost all states in the US 1st cousins are legal (that is one pair of grandparents in common). In all states more removed than that is legal.
In some countries first cousin marriages are common and even preferred.
That said, the risk of birth defects in any child doubles from a background rate of about 3% to about 6%. 94% of kids would not be expected to have a BD, but just over 1/20 would have some problem.
If you have a family history of certain kinds of BD your risks might be even higher.
Socially, some families would be unhappy...

Answer 2

It depends on which state you live in. Some states allow first cousins to marry, and in fact marrying a cousin was quite common through the mid-twentieth century.

Here is a list of states and under what circumstances they allow cousins to marry. It seems most allow it.

http://www.cousincouples.com/info/mostppl.htm

Answer 3

It'd have to be my 34th cousin in order for me to even go there. I mean, what about birth defects? How far removed must you be in order to not have to worry so much about your baby being born looking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame or something?

*Gets the weebie jeebies*

Answer 4

The word "cousin" shouldn't even be allowed in order for you to consider to date them. Thats just gross even if it's your 10th cousin!

Answer 5

holy crap
i thought it was ok
but reading the above i dont know now.
my housemates are first cousins and have been shagging for about 8 months now, they plan on going long term
i might mail them a link to this page !!!!!

Answer 6

I'm going to have to go until.......NEVER. family is family, despite how many cousins away you are. Thats just wrong.

Answer 7

3rd

Answer 8

3rd

Answer 9

you can marry your first cousin but not your second