Wisconsin Law on Cousin Marriage
In Wisconsin, marriage between first cousins is generally prohibited, but there are two specific exceptions that make such a marriage legal:
If the female in the couple is at least 55 years old, or
If either party can provide a physician’s affidavit stating that one of them is permanently sterile
This means that, under most circumstances, first cousins cannot legally marry in Wisconsin. However, if the couple can demonstrate that they cannot have biological children—either due to age (female partner 55+) or permanent sterility—then the law permits the marriage.
Why These Exceptions?
The primary reason for these exceptions is to prevent the risk of genetic disorders that can be more common in the offspring of closely related individuals. By allowing cousin marriage only when reproduction is not possible, Wisconsin law aims to address these public health concerns.
Legal Text Reference
The relevant statute, Wisconsin Statutes § 765.03, states:
“No marriage shall be contracted… between persons who are nearer of kin than 2nd cousins except that marriage may be contracted between first cousins where the female has attained the age of 55 years
SOURCE
[1] https://codes.findlaw.com/wi/marriage-and-family-ch-765-to-770/wi-st-765-03/
[2] https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/765.03
[3] https://b105country.com/can-you-marry-your-first-cousin-in-wisconsin/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[5] https://shellesimonlaw.com/first-cousin-marriage-under-us-immigration-law/
