In Wyoming, the law is clear: it is illegal to marry your first cousin. This prohibition is part of Wyoming’s broader marriage laws, which aim to prevent unions between closely related individuals. The state’s stance on cousin marriages aligns with many other U.S. states that have similar restrictions in place.
Wyoming Statute Ā§ 20-2-101 outlines the marriages that are considered void in the state. Among these, marriages between first cousins are explicitly prohibited. The law states that marriages between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, brothers and sisters of half or whole blood, uncles and nieces, aunts and nephews, and first cousins are all considered void. This means that such marriages are not recognized as legal or valid under Wyoming law.
The reasoning behind this prohibition is rooted in both cultural norms and genetic concerns. Marriages between close relatives, including first cousins, have been associated with an increased risk of genetic disorders in offspring. While the genetic risks for first cousin marriages are lower than for closer relatives, they are still considered significant enough for many states, including Wyoming, to ban the practice.
It’s worth noting that laws regarding cousin marriages vary significantly across the United States. While some states, like Wyoming, completely prohibit first cousin marriages, others allow them with certain restrictions or conditions. A few states even permit first cousin marriages without any limitations. This variation in laws can sometimes lead to confusion, especially for people moving between states or considering marriage to a cousin from another state.
For those in Wyoming considering a relationship with a cousin, it’s important to understand that not only would a marriage be illegal, but attempting to enter into such a marriage could potentially lead to legal consequences. The state’s clear stance on this issue means that there are no loopholes or exceptions for first cousin marriages in Wyoming.
However, it’s important to note that the law specifically addresses first cousins. Marriages between more distant cousins (second cousins or beyond) are not explicitly prohibited under Wyoming law. This distinction is common in many states that regulate cousin marriages, as the genetic risks decrease significantly with more distant familial relationships.
In conclusion, Wyoming law is unambiguous on this matter: marrying your first cousin is illegal in the state. This prohibition is part of a broader set of laws designed to prevent marriages between close relatives. While attitudes and laws regarding cousin marriages may vary in other parts of the country or the world, those residing in or planning to marry in Wyoming must adhere to the state’s clear legal stance on this issue.
Source
1.https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title20.pdf
2.https://ground.news/article/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-wyoming-heres-what-the-law-says_144797
3.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
4.https://kisscasper.com/is-it-ok-to-marry-your-cousin-in-wyoming-state-kind-of-yeah/
