In Mississippi, it is illegal for first cousins to marry. The state has one of the more comprehensive lists of prohibited relationships for marriage, explicitly including first cousins as a prohibited category.
According to Mississippi law, marriage between first cousins is classified as incestuous and is therefore not legally recognized or valid in the state. This ban extends to any marriages that might have occurred legally in other states; Mississippi does not recognize first cousin marriages performed elsewhere.
Specific Prohibitions in Mississippi Law
The Mississippi legal code explicitly states that marriage is prohibited between certain close relatives, including first cousins by blood. The relevant statute reads that children of brothers or sisters—meaning first cousins—are not allowed to intermarry.
The law’s language is clear and leaves no exceptions or special conditions that would allow first cousin marriages in Mississippi. This prohibition aims to prevent genetic risks associated with close kin marriage and reflects long-standing social and legal norms within the state.
Exceptions and Other Cousin Relationships
Though first cousin marriages are banned, Mississippi law permits marriage between more distant relatives. For example, marriage between first cousins once removed (children of your first cousins) or more distant cousins is allowed.
This distinction reflects a common pattern in U.S. states where the restrictions are specifically tight around direct first cousin relationships but loosen for more distant family ties.
The law is silent on some more nuanced cousin relationships, such as half-first cousins, and in these cases, individuals are advised to seek legal counsel. Importantly, Mississippi’s refusal to recognize first cousin marriages from other jurisdictions means trying to circumvent this law by marrying out-of-state does not grant the couple legal marital status once back in Mississippi.
Legal and Social Implications
The ban on first cousin marriage in Mississippi aligns with the state’s broader incest laws, designed to prevent marriages that may have potential genetic complications. Socially, such marriages remain taboo in many parts of Mississippi, and enforcement of the law is stringent.
Those interested in cousin marriage within the state must understand these legal boundaries thoroughly, as entering a prohibited marriage can have serious legal consequences, including invalidation of the marriage status and potential criminal penalties. Couples should approach this carefully and consider consulting legal professionals when questions about familial relationships arise.
Marrying your first cousin in Mississippi is illegal and classified as incest. No exceptions exist under current state law, and Mississippi does not recognize first cousin marriages performed in other states. More distant cousin relationships, like first cousins once removed, are allowed. Understanding these legal restrictions is essential for anyone considering marriage with a relative in Mississippi.
Sources
(https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-93/chapter-1/section-93-1-1/)
(https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-mississippi-explained/)
(https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/cousin-marriage-laws.html)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/coolguides/comments/wg6h3q/a_map_of_where_it_is_legal_to_marry_your_first/)
