Cousin marriage laws in the United States vary widely by state, and Nevada is among the strictest. In Nevada, it is illegal for first cousins to marry. The law goes even further, prohibiting marriage between individuals who are more closely related than second cousins, including first cousins and cousins once removed.
This prohibition is enshrined in Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 201.180 and NRS § 122.020, which explicitly state that marriage or sexual relations between relatives closer than second cousins are considered incest and are criminal offenses.
What Counts as Incest Under Nevada Law?
Under Nevada law, incest is defined as marriage, sexual intercourse, or adultery between relatives who are closer than second cousins or cousins by half-blood.
This means that not only is marriage between first cousins prohibited, but so too are marriages between an individual and their cousin’s children (cousins once removed), as well as between second cousins in some cases.
The law applies regardless of whether both parties consent, and it is designed to prevent inbreeding and the potential genetic risks associated with close-relative marriages.
Penalties for Violating the Law
Violating Nevada’s incest laws is a serious matter. Marrying a cousin in Nevada is considered a felony, punishable by imprisonment for two years to life and a possible fine of up to $10,000. Even if the marriage is consensual and both parties are adults, the law does not make exceptions.
Convictions can also have long-term legal and social consequences, including the annulment of the marriage and a permanent criminal record.
Recognition of Out-of-State Cousin Marriages
Some states that prohibit cousin marriage do not recognize such marriages performed elsewhere, and Nevada is among them. If Nevada residents travel to another state where cousin marriage is legal and marry there, Nevada law may still consider the marriage void and could prosecute residents for violating incest statutes upon their return.
Cousin marriages are not legal in Nevada. The state prohibits marriage between individuals closer than second cousins, including first cousins and cousins once removed. Such marriages are considered incest under state law and carry severe criminal penalties. Anyone considering marriage to a cousin should be aware of these strict prohibitions and the potential legal consequences in Nevada.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://www.lvcriminaldefense.com/incest-and-child-brides-in-nevada/
[3] https://courtroomproven.com/blog/is-it-legal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-nevada/
[4] https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/defense/nrs/201-180-incest/
[5] https://www.findlaw.com/state/nevada-law/nevada-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html
