In South Carolina, it is not illegal to marry your first cousin. The state allows first cousins to marry without any restrictions, making it one of the states where this practice is lega.
Legal Status of Cousin Marriage
South Carolina’s laws do not prohibit marriages between first cousins, unlike some other states where such marriages are either illegal or subject to specific conditions. This means that individuals can freely choose to marry their first cousins in South Carolina without facing legal barriers.
Comparison with Other States
While South Carolina permits first-cousin marriages, other states have varying laws. Some states allow these marriages under certain conditions (e.g., requiring genetic counseling in Maine), while others prohibit them entirely. South Carolina’s stance aligns with states like Alabama, California, and New York, where first-cousin marriages are also legal.
Social and Ethical Considerations
Although legally permissible, cousin marriages can raise social and ethical concerns due to potential genetic risks for offspring. However, these considerations do not affect the legal status of such marriages in South Carolina2.
marrying your first cousin is legal in South Carolina, with no restrictions or requirements beyond those necessary for any marriage in the state. If you are considering such a marriage, it is advisable to consult with legal or family counseling services to address any personal or familial concerns.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.findlaw.com/state/south-carolina-law/south-carolina-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html
[2] https://ground.news/article/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-south-carolina-heres-what-the-law-says_bdf768
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[4] https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t20c001.php
[5] https://www.draslamabdullah.com/post/first-cousin-marriage-laws-in-the-u-s
