In Massachusetts, it is legal for first cousins to marry. This is in contrast to many other states where such marriages are prohibited or restricted. The legal framework surrounding cousin marriage in Massachusetts is governed by the state’s General Laws, specifically Chapter 207, which outlines the prohibitions on marriage between certain relatives.
Legal Context
According to Massachusetts law, marriages between first cousins are explicitly allowed. The relevant statute does not list first cousins among the relatives prohibited from marrying each other, which includes closer blood relations such as parents, siblings, and grandparents. This means that first cousins can legally enter into marriage without facing any legal repercussions.
Comparison with Other States
The legal status of cousin marriage varies significantly across the United States. As of now, 18 states, including Massachusetts, permit first cousin marriages, while 30 states impose some form of restriction or outright ban on such unions. For instance:
- States that allow first cousin marriage: Massachusetts, California, Florida, and Maryland.
- States that prohibit it: Michigan, Ohio, and Texas.
In states where cousin marriage is permitted, there may be additional stipulations. For example, Maine allows cousin marriages only if the couple undergoes genetic counseling beforehand.
Public Perception and Incidence
Despite its legality in Massachusetts, the incidence of cousin marriage remains relatively low across the country. Historical data suggests that only a small percentage of marriages involve first cousins—estimated at around 0.2% among certain demographics like Roman Catholics in 1960. This low incidence might be attributed to societal norms and perceptions surrounding cousin relationships.
Moreover, some studies have questioned the commonly held belief that offspring from cousin marriages face significantly higher health risks than those from unrelated couples. This has led to ongoing discussions about the legal bans on cousin marriages in other states and whether they are justified by scientific evidence or merely rooted in cultural biases.
Marrying a cousin in Massachusetts is entirely legal and recognized under state law. This reflects a broader trend among several states that allow such unions while recognizing the complexities and varying opinions surrounding cousin marriage across the United States. While legal in Massachusetts and a handful of other states, the practice remains uncommon and often stigmatized due to historical perceptions about consanguinity and its implications for offspring health.
Sources:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://cardozolawreview.com/the-unconstitutionality-of-state-bans-on-marriage-between-first-cousins/
[3] https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-marriage
