In South Carolina, it is legal to marry your cousin, as the state’s marriage laws do not prohibit cousin marriages. South Carolina law explicitly forbids marriages between close relatives such as parents, siblings, and certain in-laws, but it does not include cousins in this restriction.
Legal Status of Cousin Marriage in South Carolina
According to the South Carolina Code of Laws Section 20-1-10, the state disallows marriage between very close family members but makes no mention of cousins. This means that first cousins can legally marry, and South Carolina is one of the 18 states in the U.S. where cousin marriage is allowed without restrictions.
How South Carolina Compares Nationwide
Marriage between first cousins is banned in over half of U.S. states, with 32 states prohibiting it completely or largely. However, states like South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and New York permit cousin marriage fully, without limitations based on age or genetic counseling. This highlights a regional acceptance of cousin marriage in parts of the South and Northeast.
Genetic Counseling and Restrictions in Other States
While South Carolina does not require any additional steps for cousin marriage, some states that allow it may have specific conditions such as mandatory genetic counseling or age restrictions for the couple. South Carolina imposes no such requirements, simplifying the process for cousin couples wishing to marry.
Cultural and Social Context
Though legal, cousin marriage remains uncommon and can carry social stigma in many areas. Attitudes towards cousin marriage vary widely due to cultural, religious, and historical factors. In South Carolina, cousin marriage is principally a legal matter, and couples can marry without fear of legal repercussion.
Health Considerations
Concerns about the health risks of children born from cousin marriages often arise. Scientific studies have shown some increased risks for genetic disorders in offspring, but these risks are typically moderate and vary depending on specific family genetics. South Carolina’s law does not address these health concerns legally but leaves the decision to couples.
Summary
South Carolina allows marriage between first cousins legally.
The state’s marriage prohibitions apply to closer relatives only, not cousins.
No age or genetic counseling requirements exist for cousin marriage in South Carolina.
Cousin marriage remains a personal and cultural choice with regional legal variations across the U.S..
In South Carolina, it is not illegal to marry your cousin. The law permits such marriages without restrictions, aligning the state with others that recognize cousin marriage as legally valid. Couples considering this path in South Carolina can do so without legal barriers, though they may want to consider social viewpoints and health implications.
Sources
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States)
(https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/legally-marry-cousin-sc-law-100000048.html)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/MapPorn/comments/1kiml7r/legal_status_of_first_cousin_marriage/)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage)
(https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t20c001.php)
