In Texas, it is illegal to marry your first cousin. The Texas Family Code explicitly prohibits such marriages, categorizing them as void, which means they have no legal standing. This prohibition is part of broader regulations concerning consanguinity aimed at preventing potential genetic risks associated with inbreeding and familial complications.
Legal Implications
- Criminal Offense: Marrying a first cousin in Texas is considered a criminal act. Engaging in sexual relations or cohabitation with a first cousin can also lead to legal penalties, which are more severe than those for relationships with more distant relatives.
- Recognition of Marriages from Other States: Texas does not recognize marriages between first cousins that are legally performed in other states where such unions are permitted. This can create complications regarding legal rights and responsibilities for couples who move to Texas after marrying elsewhere.
Comparison with Other States
While Texas prohibits first cousin marriages, other states have varying laws:
- Permitted States: States like Alabama and California allow first cousin marriages without restrictions.
- Conditional States: Some states, such as Arizona, permit such marriages under specific conditions, like both parties being over a certain age or one being infertile.
Conclusion
In summary, marrying your first cousin is illegal in Texas, with significant legal ramifications for those who attempt such unions. The law reflects broader societal concerns about the implications of close familial relationships and aims to prevent potential genetic risks associated with inbreeding.
SOURCES
- https://rivercityomaha.com/2025/01/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-texas-heres-what-the-law-says/
- https://www.yeklaw.com/blog/2024/july/immigration-and-marriage-between-cousins/
- https://shellesimonlaw.com/first-cousin-marriage-under-us-immigration-law/
