In Nevada, it is illegal to marry your cousin. The state’s laws explicitly prohibit marriages between individuals who are related more closely than second cousins, which includes first cousins and their descendants. This prohibition is classified under incest laws, making such marriages a criminal offense.
Key Points of Nevada’s Marriage Laws Regarding Cousins
- Prohibition of Cousin Marriages:
- Under Nevada law, marriages between first cousins are not allowed. This includes any offspring of first cousins (cousins once removed) as well. Such unions are considered incestuous and are treated as a felony under NRS 201.180, which defines incest to include both sexual relations and marriage between close relatives.
- Legal Consequences:
- Engaging in a marriage with a cousin can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to life and fines reaching $10,000. Any marriage conducted under these circumstances is deemed void in Nevada, meaning it will not be legally recognized even if performed in a state where cousin marriage is permitted.
- Underlying Rationale:
- The legal restrictions aim to discourage inbreeding due to concerns about potential genetic issues in offspring resulting from such unions. This reflects broader societal concerns about maintaining genetic diversity and family health.
- Exceptions and Clarifications:
- While marriages between second cousins or those of half blood are allowed, the law maintains strict boundaries regarding closer familial relationships.
Conclusion
In summary, marrying your cousin in Nevada is illegal and classified as incest, carrying significant legal repercussions. Individuals should be fully aware of these laws before considering such a relationship to avoid serious legal consequences.
SOURCES:-
- https://courtroomproven.com/blog/is-it-legal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-nevada/
- https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/family/marriage/