by Hartford, CT – In a rare instance of bipartisan agreement, Connecticut is set to enact a firm ban on marriages between first cousins, effective from the start of October 2025. The move closes a legal gap in the state’s family laws, aligning it with the majority of states that prohibit such unions due to concerns over genetic risks.
The bill, passed unanimously by Connecticut’s General Assembly earlier this year, unequivocally states that “no person may knowingly marry such person’s first cousin,” marking the end of an exception in existing state law that already bans marriages between other immediate family members.
A Legislative Push for Change
The initiative was spearheaded by State Representative Devin Carney, a Republican from Old Saybrook, who pushed for the legislation despite no public outcry from his constituents.
“Somebody actually sent me an article about it. Tennessee recently banned it. They passed a law to ban it. I was told it’s not banned in Connecticut, so I started looking into it and over 30 states do ban it, and Connecticut is not one of them,” Carney told the Connecticut Post.
The bill gained further support from Democratic co-sponsor State Rep. Steve Stafstrom of Bridgeport, who emphasized the health risks of cousin marriages and the need to clarify the state’s stance.
“We looked at it and saw we were sort of an outlier state that didn’t ban it. Science shows that procreation between first cousins increases the chances of birth defects. We also didn’t want to penalize or jeopardize any marriages that occurred when it was legal,” Stafstrom explained.
Understanding the Legal Landscape Across the U.S.
With this new law, Connecticut becomes the 26th state to outright ban first cousin marriages. However, the legalities vary widely across the country, with many states incorporating specific restrictions or exceptions:
- New England: Connecticut and New Hampshire strictly prohibit cousin marriages. Maine permits it only for same-sex couples or couples who have completed genetic counseling, while all other New England states allow it without restrictions.
- Other States: Arizona, Illinois, and Indiana permit such marriages under limited conditions, such as advanced age or infertility.
- Minnesota: Only allows cousin marriages under “established customs of aboriginal cultures.”
- North Carolina: Permits only double first cousin marriages (children of two sisters married to two brothers).
Historically, cousin marriage was legal in all states during the Civil War era, but today it remains legal in only about 16 states.
Health Considerations Driving Policy
The primary motivation behind these legislative restrictions is the scientifically documented increased risk of birth defects resulting from procreation between first cousins. The National Library of Medicine highlights congenital issues such as:
- Limb deformities
- Heart conditions
- Premature birth
- Neonatal mortality
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This medical evidence has been critical in shaping public policy and the recent push to close legal loopholes concerning cousin marriages.
Looking Ahead: Impact and Community Response
While some states offer nuanced exceptions and others retain legal allowances, Connecticut’s decisive action reflects growing awareness and consensus around the potential risks associated with first cousin marriages. The unified legislative support suggests a strong commitment to public health and family welfare.
The law is structured to respect existing marriages that took place before the ban, avoiding retroactive penalties.
For more detailed information, see the original report by the New York Post: Connecticut to ban first cousin marriages.
What do you think about this ban on first cousin marriages? Have you encountered similar laws in your state? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
