Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in South Carolina? Here’s What the Law Says

By Rachel Greco

Published on:

Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in South Carolina Here's What the Law Says

In South Carolina, it is legal to marry your cousin. The state’s laws do not prohibit marriages between first cousins, which distinguishes it from many other states that have stricter regulations regarding cousin marriages.

Key Points:

  • Legal Framework: According to the South Carolina Code of Laws, there are specific prohibitions against marrying close relatives such as parents, siblings, and grandparents, but cousins are not included in this list.
  • Cousin Marriage Statistics: South Carolina is one of the states where cousin marriage is permitted, alongside others like Alabama, California, and Virginia. Overall, 19 states allow first cousin marriages without restrictions.
  • Social Considerations: While legal, cousin marriage can carry social stigma and concerns about genetic risks for offspring. However, these concerns are often debated and vary by individual perspective.

In summary, if you are considering marrying your cousin in South Carolina, you can do so legally without any specific restrictions against such unions.

SOURCES:-

  1.  https://ground.news/article/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-south-carolina-heres-what-the-law-says_bdf768
  2.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
  3.  https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t20c001.php

Rachel Greco

Rachel Greco covers life in US County, including the communities of Grand Ledge, Delta Township, Charlotte and US Rapids. But her beat extends to local government, local school districts and community events in communities that surround Lansing. Her goal is to tell compelling stories about the area that matter to local readers.

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