In Mississippi, it is illegal to marry your first cousin. The state’s marriage laws are explicit and leave no room for ambiguity regarding this issue.
What the Law Says
Mississippi Code § 93-1-1 states that marriages between close relatives—including first cousins—are considered incestuous and are therefore void. The law specifically prohibits “children of brother or sister, or brothers and sisters intermarry being first cousins by blood” from marrying each other. This means that if two people are first cousins (i.e., they share a set of grandparents), they are not allowed to marry in Mississippi.
The law does not provide exceptions based on age, infertility, or any other criteria. This is a blanket ban that applies to all first cousins, regardless of circumstances.
Broader Prohibitions
Mississippi’s marriage statute is one of the most detailed in the nation when it comes to prohibited relationships. In addition to first cousins, the law also bans marriages between:
- Grandparents and grandchildren
- Parents and children (including adopted children)
- Siblings (full and half)
- Aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews
- Step-relatives in certain configurations
All such marriages are declared “incestuous and void” under state law.
Criminal Penalties
Not only are such marriages void, but engaging in a prohibited marriage—including a first cousin marriage—can also carry criminal penalties. According to legal overviews, violations may result in fines or imprisonment, with penalties of up to 10 years or a $500 fine for incestuous relationships, including marriage, cohabitation, or sexual intercourse between first cousins.
Recognition of Out-of-State Marriages
Some states that prohibit cousin marriage will nonetheless recognize such marriages if they were legally performed in a state where cousin marriage is permitted. Mississippi, however, does not recognize first cousin marriages performed in other states.
If Mississippi residents attempt to evade the law by marrying elsewhere and then returning, their marriage will still be considered void under Mississippi law.
“Mississippi does not recognize first cousin marriages that are conducted in other states where the union is legal. Any attempt to evade Section 93-1-1 [laws on prohibited relationships] by marrying out of this state and returning to it shall be within the prohibitions of said section.”
Marrying Other Types of Cousins
While first cousin marriage is illegal, marriages between more distant relatives—such as first cousins once removed, second cousins, and beyond—are permitted in Mississippi. The law is very specific to first cousins by blood.
Application and Enforcement
Mississippi’s marriage application forms may not explicitly ask about blood relationship, but by signing, applicants affirm there is no legal impediment to their marriage. If a prohibited relationship is discovered, the marriage can be declared void, and criminal penalties may apply.
Summary Table
| Relationship Type | Marriage Legal in Mississippi? |
|---|---|
| First Cousins | No |
| First Cousins Once Removed | Yes |
| Second Cousins | Yes |
| Siblings | No |
| Aunt/Uncle & Niece/Nephew | No |
Mississippi law clearly makes it illegal for first cousins to marry. Such marriages are considered incestuous and void, and the state does not recognize first cousin marriages performed elsewhere. More distant cousin relationships, such as first cousins once removed or second cousins, are allowed to marry under state law.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] http://www.mscasa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/MSIncestLaws.pdf
[3] https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-93/chapter-1/section-93-1-1/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_incest_in_the_United_States
[5] https://www.insideedition.com/gallery/kissing-cousins-states-where-marrying-your-relative-legal-48234
