Contrary to widely held beliefs and longstanding taboos in America, first cousins can have children together without a great risk of birth defects or genetic disease, scientists are reporting today. They say there is no biological reason to discourage cousins from marrying.Click to see full answer. In this manner, is it OK for first cousins to marry? Laws regarding first-cousin marriage in the United States As of February 2014, 24 U.S. states prohibit marriages between first cousins, 19 U.S. states allow marriages between first cousins, and 7 U.S. states allow only some marriages between first cousins. Six states prohibit first-cousin-once-removed marriages. is dating your cousin wrong? In the UK it is legal to marry your cousin; in parts of West Africa there’s a saying, “Cousins are made for cousins”; but in America it is banned or restricted in 31 states. Restrictions include genetic counselling or that couples are past the age of reproduction. Consequently, is it OK to marry your cousin? In much of the world, consanguineous marriage between cousins is very common. For most Americans, however, marriage between cousins is at best a punchline, at worst a taboo. In many states, it is illegal for first cousins to get married. The objections are ostensibly based on the risk of genetic problems.What does the Bible say about marrying your cousin?The Bible does not, for example, forbid cousins from marrying, but it does prohibit sexual relations with several other close relatives.
