Marrying Your Cousin in Arizona: Is It Legal? While the idea of cousin-marriage seems taboo in many cultures, it has been practiced throughout history and remains legal in most parts of the world. In the United States, the laws on marriages concerning cousins vary from state to state. Arizona restricts close marriages and prohibits first cousins but does allow exceptions on marriages based on certain circumstances. Let’s dive into the intricacies of marriage laws on cousins for Arizona.
Arizona Marriage Laws with Cousins
Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 25-101 describes illegal marriages in the state of Arizona:
- Forbidden Marriages in Arizona:
- Marriage between parent and child or between grandparent and grandchild
- Marriage between siblings, including half-siblings
- Marriage between an aunt/uncle and a niece/nephew
- First Cousin Marriage: Arizona’s statutory law provides for two exemptions to marrying cousins:
- Age: They must be over 65 years old.
- Infertility: At least one or both of the cousins should not be able to reproduce. This will require substantial proof, which must be provided to a superior court judge.
Historical and Cultural Background of Cousin Marriages
- Past and Present Prevalence: Cousin marriages were once prevalent in many parts of the world, including Europe and the Middle East. They were usually arranged for preserving family wealth and property or fortifying relationships between communities. Cousin marriages are less common today, but they are still practiced by different cultures and communities.
- Reasons for Cousin Marriages:
- Keep family ties and traditions
- Religious beliefs
- Preserve property or assets
- Limited marriage choices available in certain societies
- Family familiarity and trust
Arguments In Favor and Against Cousin Marriages
- Risk of Genetic Disorders: The main argument against cousin marriages is the risk for increased genetic disorders in the offspring. As closely related individuals, they would have a greater chance of having the same recessive genes, and this will most likely lead to various health issues in their progeny.
- Social and Cultural Factors:
- For: Advocates believe that marrying a cousin may have the advantage of enhancing relationships within the family and is one’s prerogative. S/he may insist that dangers are exaggerated or can be minimized by genetic counseling.
- Against: Opponents hold up social stigmas as well as fear for the welfare of children born from these marriages. They may claim that this practice fosters the same kind of insularity.
Legal and Moral Consequences of Cousin Marriages in Arizona
- Arizona laws vs. Personal Beliefs: Arizona’s laws reflect a balance, restricting first-cousin marriages while making exceptions for specific circumstances. Individuals may have strong personal beliefs regarding cousin marriage that might conflict with the legal boundaries.
- Potential Consequences:
- Marriages in violation of the law would be considered void.
- Individuals entering prohibited marriages could potentially face legal penalties.
- Social disapprobation or ostracization might occur depending on community values.
Alternatives to Cousin Marriage in Arizona
For someone who wants a marriage tie that would be more through family, Arizona has fewer limitations when it comes to marriage between cousins of different degrees:
- Second Cousins and Beyond: Marriages between second cousins-the cousins share a set of great-grandparents-and more remote cousin relationships are legal.
- Half-Cousins: People who share just one grandparent can marry legally.
- Cousins by Adoption: Marriages involving persons who are connected through adoption alone are also legal.
Conclusion
Arizona is somewhat restrictive on cousin marriage and offers exceptions due to various circumstances. This can be an important consideration for a couple contemplating marriage with a cousin. Each couple must decide based on their assessments of the legal, ethical, health-related, and faith components involved.
