In Maryland, marrying your cousin is not illegal. In fact, Maryland is one of the states that allows first cousins, first cousins once-removed, half-cousins, and cousins through adoption to marry, cohabitate, and have sexual relations. This makes Maryland a popular destination for couples from other states where such marriages are prohibited or restricted.
Legal Perspective
- Permitted Relationships: Maryland law permits marriages between first cousins, first cousins once-removed, half-cousins, and cousins through adoption.
- No Restrictions: Unlike some states that require genetic counseling or have age restrictions, Maryland does not impose such conditions for cousin marriages.
- Prohibited Relationships: While cousin marriages are allowed, Maryland prohibits marriages between siblings, parents and children, grandparents and children, and other close relatives.
Historical Context
Maryland’s lenient marriage laws have attracted couples from neighboring states like West Virginia and Pennsylvania, where such marriages are not permitted1. This has led to instances where out-of-state couples travel to Maryland specifically to get married.
Public Perception
While legally permissible, cousin marriages are not widely practiced and can sometimes raise eyebrows. Circuit clerks in Western Maryland report occasional marriages between cousins, often from small communities like the Amish or Mennonites.
However, there have been attempts to restrict these marriages. For example, in 2000, a bill to ban first-cousin marriages was proposed but ultimately failed to pass the state senate.
Maryland allows cousin marriages without restrictions, making it a unique state in this regard. While these marriages are not common, they are legally recognized and have attracted couples from other states seeking to formalize their relationships.
Additional Considerations
- Genetic Concerns: While Maryland does not require genetic counseling for cousin marriages, some states like Maine do, highlighting the potential health risks associated with such unions.
- Legal Recognition: Marriages performed in Maryland are recognized by the state, but couples should be aware that other states may not recognize these marriages if they are prohibited there.
- Public Opinion: Despite legal acceptance, public perception of cousin marriages can vary widely, and couples may face social stigma or misunderstanding.
while marrying your cousin is legal in Maryland, it is essential to understand both the legal framework and the potential social implications of such a decision.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://cnsmaryland.org/1999/12/03/marylands-lax-marriage-law-lures-kissing-cousins-looking-to-go-legit/
[2] https://www.insideedition.com/gallery/kissing-cousins-states-where-marrying-your-relative-legal-48234
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[4] https://www.peoples-law.org/who-may-marry-maryland
[5] https://cardozolawreview.com/the-unconstitutionality-of-state-bans-on-marriage-between-first-cousins/
