Yes, it is illegal to marry your cousin in Nevada. Nevada law strictly prohibits marriage between cousins and considers it a criminal offense.
Legal Status
In Nevada, marrying a cousin is classified as incest and is prohibited under NRS § 201.180. This law forbids marriage, sexual intercourse, or adultery between relatives closer than second cousins or cousins by half-blood.
Criminal Offense
Marrying a cousin in Nevada is not only illegal but also a criminal act. It is considered a category A felony, which is the most serious class of crimes in the state. The penalties for this offense are severe:
- Prison sentence: 2 years to life with the possibility of parole
- Fine: Up to $10,000
- Lifetime supervision and sex offender registration may also be required
Scope of Prohibition
Nevada’s law is particularly strict compared to some other states:
- It prohibits marriage between first cousins and first cousins once removed.
- Sexual relations and cohabitation between these relatives are also forbidden.
- Even if cousins marry legally in another state, their marriage is considered void in Nevada.
Rationale
The primary reasons for this prohibition are:
- To discourage inbreeding in family bloodlines
- Concerns about potential genetic problems in offspring
It’s important to note that Nevada’s stance on cousin marriage is among the strictest in the United States, with only a few other states criminalizing the practice to this extent.
Sources:
- https://courtroomproven.com/blog/is-it-legal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-nevada/
- https://www.draslamabdullah.com/post/first-cousin-marriage-laws-in-the-u-s
- https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/defense/nrs/201-180-incest/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.insideedition.com/gallery/kissing-cousins-states-where-marrying-your-relative-legal-48234
