In Connecticut, marrying your first cousin is currently legal. However, there have been discussions and proposals to change this law.
Key Points:
- Current Law: As of now, Connecticut allows first cousins to marry, making it one of the states where this practice is legal.
- Proposed Changes: There have been legislative proposals to prohibit marriages between first cousins, but these have not yet been enacted.
- Consanguinity Laws: Connecticut prohibits marriages between closer relatives, such as parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, and certain other relatives by blood or affinity.
Legal Considerations:
- Annulment: If a marriage is deemed invalid due to consanguinity or other reasons, it may be subject to annulment rather than divorce.
- Genetic Concerns: There are concerns about genetic risks associated with consanguineous marriages, but these do not currently impact the legality of first-cousin marriages in Connecticut.
While marrying a first cousin is currently legal in Connecticut, it is important to stay informed about any changes in legislation that might affect this practice in the future.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.wendyprince.com/blog/2018/04/family-law-in-connecticut-can-cousins-marry/
[2] https://ctnydivorcelawyer.com/blogs/what-is-consanguinity-in-marriage/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[4] https://www.findlaw.com/state/connecticut-law/connecticut-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html
