In Illinois, as in many other states, there are specific laws governing who you can legally marry. One common question people ask is whether it’s legal to marry your cousin. If you’re considering marrying your cousin in Illinois, it’s important to know what the law says.
Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in Illinois?
No, it is not illegal to marry your cousin in Illinois. In fact, first cousins are allowed to marry in Illinois under state law. However, there are some important details and restrictions to be aware of.
Laws Regarding Marrying a Cousin in Illinois
First Cousins: In Illinois, marriage between first cousins is legal. There is no law prohibiting cousins from marrying each other, and they do not need to seek special permission to marry.
Second Cousins and Beyond: Marriage between second cousins or more distant relatives is also legal in Illinois. The laws surrounding marriage between distant cousins are generally more relaxed, and you do not face legal restrictions for such unions.
Health Concerns and Genetic Implications
While it is legal to marry a cousin in Illinois, it’s important to consider the potential genetic implications. Marrying a close relative, like a first cousin, can increase the risk of genetic disorders in children due to the possibility of inheriting similar genetic conditions from both parents. However, these risks are typically low, and the vast majority of children born to first cousins are healthy.
Some couples choose to consult with a genetic counselor before proceeding with marriage to better understand any potential health risks to their children.
Marriage Between Close Relatives (Beyond Cousins)
While marriage between first cousins is legal in Illinois, marriage between closer relatives (such as siblings, parents and children, or uncles and nieces) is not allowed. Illinois law prohibits marriages between immediate family members. This is based on concerns about incest, which is illegal in Illinois and most other states due to the potential for abuse and the genetic risks involved.
Religious and Cultural Considerations
Even though marriage between cousins is legal, some religious or cultural beliefs may discourage or even prohibit such unions. It’s important to consider not just the legal aspects, but also the social and family dynamics when contemplating a marriage to a cousin.
In Illinois, marrying your cousin is perfectly legal if you’re first cousins or even second cousins. There are no laws that restrict cousin marriage, though it’s important to be aware of the potential health considerations associated with close cousin relationships. As long as the individuals involved are not immediate family members (such as siblings or parents), the marriage is legally allowed. If you have concerns about the potential genetic implications, seeking advice from a medical professional or genetic counselor is a good idea.
SOURCES
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://www.yeklaw.com/blog/2024/july/immigration-and-marriage-between-cousins/
[3] https://shellesimonlaw.com/first-cousin-marriage-under-us-immigration-law/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage
[5] https://ifstudies.org/blog/why-every-state-should-ban-first-cousin-marriage
