In Indiana, marriage between first cousins is prohibited unless both individuals are at least 65 years old. Indiana Code § 31-11-1-2 states that two individuals may not marry if they are more closely related than second cousins, but an exception is made for first cousins under the specified age condition.
Key Points regarding Indiana Marriage Laws:
- Prohibited Relationships: Marriages are not allowed between individuals more closely related than second cousins.
- First Cousins Exception: First cousins can marry if both are at least 65 years old.
- Minimum Age: Generally, both individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry. Those aged 17 require parental or guardian consent, and those aged 15 or 16 may petition the court for permission, especially if there is a pregnancy.
- Same-Sex Marriage: Same-sex couples are legally allowed to marry in Indiana.
- Bigamy: Marriages are prohibited if either individual has a living spouse.
Prior to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, same-sex marriage was illegal in Indiana, but it is now legal, as it is across the country.
These laws reflect considerations around familial relationships and genetic risks associated with consanguinity. Other states have varying laws regarding marriage between cousins and other close relatives, including stipulations around half-cousins, double cousins, infertility, genetic counseling, or considerations of tradition within native or ancestral cultures7. For example, Maine allows first-cousin marriage if the couple agrees to genetic counseling, and North Carolina allows it as long as the applicants are not rare double first cousins7.
sources
[1] https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/indiana/539
[2] https://www.themonastery.org/marriage-laws/indiana
[3] https://www.ulc.org/wedding-laws/indiana
[4] https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/2018/title-31/article-11/chapter-1/section-31-11-1-2/
