Raleigh, NC – In North Carolina, marrying your first cousin is allowed, but with one important restriction: double first cousins are not permitted to wed. This places the state among the minority in the U.S. that permits cousin marriage while still maintaining a narrow genetic safeguard.
Defining a First Cousin
A first cousin is the child of your parent’s brother or sister. For example, if your mom’s sister has a son or daughter, that person is your first cousin. State law permits these marriages as long as the couple does not share a closer blood relation.
Understanding the Double First Cousin Ban
A double first cousin occurs when two siblings from one family marry two siblings from another family, and both couples have children. These children are related through both maternal and paternal lines.
For instance, if two brothers marry two sisters, their children would share both sets of grandparents. Because of the higher degree of genetic similarity, North Carolina law specifically bans these marriages.
Marriage Rules in North Carolina
To legally marry in the state, couples must:
- Be 18 years or older (special provisions apply for those under 18).
- Be no closer in relation than first cousins.
- Not be double first cousins.
- Obtain a marriage license before the ceremony.
- Note: Residency in North Carolina is not required to marry there.
Why the Law Makes This Distinction
The restriction on double first cousin marriage exists primarily due to genetic considerations. These relatives share a greater percentage of DNA, which raises the likelihood of passing on genetic conditions to their children. The law aims to limit this risk while still allowing first cousins to marry.
How Other States Compare
As per The Hop Town Press, Cousin marriage laws differ significantly across the country:
- 24 states have an outright ban on first cousin marriage.
- 18 states, including North Carolina, permit it without conditions.
- 8 states allow it only under certain circumstances, such as a minimum age requirement or proof of infertility.
North Carolina’s specific restriction on double first cousins is unusual and not widely found in other state laws.
North Carolina Cousin Marriage Law Overview
| Relationship Type | Legal to Marry in NC? |
|---|---|
| First Cousin | Yes |
| Double First Cousin | No |
| Closer than First Cousin | No |
| Second Cousin | Yes |
Key Points to Remember
- First cousin marriage is legal in North Carolina.
- Double first cousin marriage is prohibited.
- Couples must obtain a marriage license, but residency in the state is not required.
What’s your opinion on North Carolina’s cousin marriage rules? Should other states copy the double-first-cousin restriction, or should cousin marriage laws be the same everywhere? Join the conversation at newyorkdailygazette.com.
