In Montana, it is illegal to marry your first cousin. The state’s marriage laws explicitly prohibit marriages between first cousins, along with other close relatives such as siblings and ancestors.
Legal Framework
Montana’s marriage statutes outline several prohibitions regarding consanguinity. According to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) § 40-1-401, marriages are prohibited between:
- Ancestors and descendants (e.g., parent-child)
- Siblings (including half-siblings)
- First cousins
- Uncles and nieces or aunts and nephews.
Context of Cousin Marriages in the U.S.
The legal status of cousin marriages varies widely across the United States. While some states allow first cousins to marry under certain conditions (such as age restrictions or after genetic counseling), Montana is among the states that impose a complete ban on such unions. As of now, 32 states have similar prohibitions against cousin marriages, while 18 states allow them either fully or with specific conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are considering marriage to a first cousin in Montana, it is important to note that such a union is not legally recognized and would be considered invalid under state law.
Sources:-
- https://courts.mt.gov/forms/marriage
- https://cardozolawreview.com/the-unconstitutionality-of-state-bans-on-marriage-between-first-cousins/
- 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/
- https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/montana-marriage-laws-outline