Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in Indiana? Here’s What the Law Says

Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in Indiana Here's What the Law Says

In Indiana, the legality of marrying your cousin is subject to specific regulations outlined in state law. Here’s what you need to know:

First Cousin Marriage in Indiana

Indiana law generally prohibits marriages between individuals who are more closely related than second cousins. However, there is an exception for first cousins:

  1. First cousins are allowed to marry in Indiana.
  2. Both parties must be at least 65 years old to legally marry.

Legal Framework

The relevant statute, Indiana Code § 31-11-1-2, specifies that:

  1. Two individuals may not marry each other if they are more closely related than second cousins.
  2. However, first cousins may marry each other if both individuals are at least 65 years of age.

Implications of the Law

This law reflects Indiana’s cautious approach to cousin marriages, emphasizing the state’s concern regarding potential genetic risks associated with such unions. The age restriction aims to mitigate these concerns by allowing only older individuals to enter into such marriages.

Additional Considerations

  • Sexual relations and cohabitation between first cousins are legal in Indiana, regardless of age.
  • First cousins once-removed are allowed to marry without age restrictions.
  • Marriages between first cousins that do not meet the age requirement are considered void under Indiana law.

Comparison to Other States

Indiana’s approach to cousin marriage is relatively restrictive compared to some other states:

  • 17 states, including Alabama, California, and New York, allow first cousin marriages without restrictions.
  • Some states, like Arizona and Illinois, have similar age restrictions but with lower age thresholds.
  • Other states, such as Kentucky and Nevada, prohibit first cousin marriages entirely.

In conclusion, while it is not universally illegal to marry your first cousin in Indiana, the law imposes a significant age restriction, allowing such marriages only when both parties are 65 years or older.

Sources:

  1. https://owossoindependent.com/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-indiana-heres-what-the-law-says/
  2. https://www.insideedition.com/gallery/kissing-cousins-states-where-marrying-your-relative-legal-48234
  3. https://casetext.com/statute/indiana-code/title-31-family-law-and-juvenile-law/article-11-family-law-marriage/chapter-1-who-may-marry/section-31-11-1-2-marriage-to-close-relative-prohibited-marriages-between-cousins-exceptions
  4. https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/indiana/539
  5. https://www.newsweek.com/map-states-marry-cousin-tennessee-ban-1889727