Delphine

The Bible does not directly address or prohibit marriages between first cousins, a practice that was relatively common in ancient Biblical times. Here is an overview of Scriptural guidance and prevailing viewpoints on cousin unions. Leviticus Lists Forbidden Relationships In Leviticus 18 of the Old Testament, God provides Moses with a list of forbidden sexual … Read more

In Maryland, marriage between first cousins is permitted under state law. Here is a look at Maryland’s regulations concerning marriage between biological cousins. Marriage Between Siblings Prohibited Maryland law expressly prohibits marriages between biological siblings as well as step-siblings. These unions are considered incestuous under Maryland Code §2-202. Attempting to marry or engage in sexual … Read more

Louisiana has historically placed restrictions on marriages between first cousins but has recently moved toward allowing certain cousin relationships. Here is an overview of Louisiana’s evolving legal landscape. Past Prohibitions on Cousin Marriage Prior to 1972, Louisiana law prohibited marriages between collateral relations including first cousins, first cousins once removed, and second cousins. This ban … Read more

In Canada, federal law allows marriage between first cousins nationwide. Here is an overview of Canada’s legal landscape concerning cousin unions. Federal Law Permits Certain Relative Marriages The federal Marriage (Prohibited Degrees) Act defines the prohibitions around which relatives can legally marry in Canada. It bars direct lineal marriages between ancestors/descendants and siblings. However, the … Read more

In mainland China today, marriages between first cousins are generally prohibited both legally and socially. However, this was not always the case historically. Here is an overview of China’s evolving stance on cousin unions. Past Periods of Legal Acceptance Cousin marriage has not been consistently prohibited throughout Chinese history. In fact, various dynasties allowed and … Read more

Unlike many states, Connecticut permits marriage between first cousins under state law. Here’s an examination of Connecticut’s regulations concerning cousin marriage. Marriages Between Siblings are Banned Connecticut statutes prohibit marriage between biological siblings as well as half-siblings, step-siblings, and adoptive siblings. These relationships are considered incestuous under Section 46b-21 of the general statutes. Attempting to … Read more

In Colombia, marriage between first cousins is permitted under civil law. However, restrictions apply in certain circumstances. Here is an overview of Colombia’s laws regarding cousin marriage. Civil Law Allows Cousin Marriage According to Colombia’s Civil Code, marriage is allowed between biological first cousins with a few specific exceptions. There is no blanket prohibition of … Read more

North Carolina prohibits marriage between first cousins, one of many states banning such unions. Here’s an overview of North Carolina’s law. First Cousin Marriage is Banned Under Section 51-3 of the North Carolina General Statutes, marriages between first cousins are prohibited within the state. This ban encompasses biological first cousins as well as double first … Read more

In South Carolina, marriage between first cousins is legal under state law. Here is an overview of South Carolina’s regulations regarding marriage between biological first cousins. Marriage Between Siblings is Prohibited South Carolina law expressly prohibits marriages between biological siblings as well as half-siblings, step-siblings, and adoptive siblings. These relationships are considered incestuous under Section … Read more