As of now, it is legal to marry your first cousin in Tennessee. The state does not prohibit such marriages under its current laws, making it one of the 17 states in the U.S. where first-cousin marriage is permitted without restrictions.
Legislative Changes Underway
This legal status is likely to change soon. The Tennessee General Assembly recently passed a bill that bans marriages between first cousins, defining such unions as relationships between “lineal descendants of a grandparent.” The bill received overwhelming support in both the House (75-2 vote) and Senate and has been sent to Governor Bill Lee for approval. If signed into law, Tennessee would become the 25th state to outlaw first-cousin marriages.
Historical Context and Debate
Historically, first-cousin marriages have been allowed in Tennessee due to a 1960 attorney general’s opinion that deemed earlier restrictions unenforceable. Opponents of the new legislation argue that the health risks associated with first-cousin marriages, such as increased chances of birth defects (1.7%–2.8%), are not as significant as often believed. Some lawmakers proposed amendments allowing such marriages with genetic counseling, but these were rejected.
Broader Implications
If the bill is signed into law, Tennessee will align with other states that have banned first-cousin marriages, reflecting shifting societal norms and concerns about public health. However, critics suggest that the move might not account for cultural practices and evolving diversity in marriage norms worldwide.
For now, those considering marrying their cousin in Tennessee may want to act quickly before the law changes.
SOURCES
- https://tasteofcountry.com/tennessee-bans-marriage-between-first-cousins/
- https://newschannel9.com/newsletter-daily/tennessee-moves-to-ban-first-cousin-marriages-as-new-bill-heads-to-governors-desk
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/tennessee-lawmakers-send-bill-ban-cousin-marriages-governor-109149800
- https://www.wionews.com/trending/keeping-it-in-the-family-tennessee-lawmakers-pass-law-banning-marriage-between-first-cousins-710335
