In Illinois, marrying your cousin is restricted but not entirely prohibited. Here’s a breakdown of the law:
First Cousins
- Illinois law forbids the marriage of relatives closer than second cousins.
- However, there are exceptions for first cousins. First cousins can marry if both individuals are 50 years of age or older. Alternatively, first cousins can marry if one of them presents a certificate from a licensed physician confirming that they are permanently and irreversibly sterile.
Other Relatives
- First cousins once-removed are allowed to marry in Illinois.
- Half-cousins, however, are not allowed to marry.
Same-Sex Cousins
- Even if the purported basis for restrictions on cousin marriage is genetic concerns, two biologically male cousins or two biologically female cousins cannot marry unless they are over 50 or one of them is sterile.
- When Illinois legalized same-sex civil unions, the cousin marriage provision was deliberately left in place to maintain equal restrictions between same-sex and heterosexual couples.
Historical Context
- From 1887 to the present day, cousin marriage has generally been prohibited in Illinois.
- An exception briefly existed in 1981, allowing first cousins to marry if both were over 65. In 1984, this was amended to the current law, allowing marriage if both are over 50 or one is sterile.
Ceremonial Considerations
- Illinois law protects religious organizations, stating that no church, mosque, synagogue, temple, or non-denominational ministry is obligated to host any marriage ceremony that violates its religious beliefs or practices. The state does not otherwise interfere with how couples and ministers plan their ceremonies.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.insideedition.com/gallery/kissing-cousins-states-where-marrying-your-relative-legal-48234
[2] https://www.themonastery.org/marriage-laws/illinois
[3] https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics/how-to-marry-your-gay-cousin/1952413/
[4] https://www.chipublib.org/blogs/post/who-can-i-marry-a-chicago-history-2/
