In Vermont, it is legal to marry your first cousin. The state does not prohibit marriages between first cousins, making it one of the 17 states in the United States where such unions are permitted.
Vermont’s Marriage Laws
Vermont’s statutes explicitly outline who is forbidden to marry based on familial relationships. According to Title 15, Chapter 001 of the Vermont Statutes:
“No person shall marry his or her parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, sibling’s child, or parent’s sibling.”
Notably absent from this list are cousins, indicating that cousin marriages are not prohibited under Vermont law.
Requirements for Marriage in Vermont
While cousin marriages are legal, there are other requirements and restrictions for getting married in Vermont:
- Age requirement: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Mental capacity: The law requires that both parties be of sound mind.
- Marital status: Neither party can be currently married to someone else or in a civil union with another person.
- License requirement: A marriage license is required, which must be obtained in person from a town clerk in Vermont.
Considerations for Cousin Marriages
Although legal in Vermont, there are some important considerations for those contemplating a cousin marriage:
- Genetic counseling: While not required by law in Vermont, some states mandate genetic counseling for first cousins wishing to marry due to potential genetic risks for offspring.
- Social stigma: Despite being legal, cousin marriages may face social disapproval or stigma in some communities.
- Recognition in other states: Couples should be aware that their marriage may not be recognized if they move to a state where cousin marriages are prohibited.
Comparison with Other States
Vermont’s stance on cousin marriage aligns with several other states, including Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
However, it’s important to note that the legality of cousin marriages varies significantly across the United States. While 17 states permit it, 32 states have laws prohibiting or restricting such unions.
marrying your first cousin is legal in Vermont. The state’s marriage laws do not include cousins in the list of prohibited familial relationships. However, like all marriages in Vermont, cousin marriages must meet other legal requirements, such as age restrictions and obtaining a valid marriage license.
While legal, those considering a cousin marriage should be aware of potential genetic considerations and varying laws in other states.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/15/001/00001a
[2] https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/HSI-VR-GettingMarriedinVermont-FAQs-2023.pdf
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[4] https://www.newsweek.com/map-states-marry-cousin-tennessee-ban-1889727
