In Maryland, the legality of marriage between first cousins is explicitly addressed by state statutes.
Legal Framework
Maryland law permits marriages between first cousins. The state’s statutes prohibit marriages within three degrees of lineal consanguinity or one degree of collateral consanguinity, which includes relationships such as parent-child and sibling-sibling. However, first cousins do not fall within these prohibited degrees, making such marriages lawful in Maryland.
Legislative Attempts to Change the Law
In 2000, Maryland delegates Henry B. Heller and Kumar P. Barve sponsored a bill to ban first-cousin marriages. The bill passed the House of Delegates by a vote of 82 to 46 but ultimately died in the state Senate, leaving the legality of first-cousin marriages unchanged.
Comparison with Other States
Marriage laws concerning first cousins vary across the United States. While Maryland permits such unions, many states prohibit them. For instance, Tennessee recently passed legislation banning first-cousin marriages, aligning with over 30 states that have similar prohibitions.
Legal Implications
In Maryland, marriages between first cousins are legally recognized and carry the same rights and responsibilities as any other marriage. There are no additional legal requirements or restrictions specific to first-cousin marriages in the state.
Cohabitation and Consensual Relationships
Since marriage between first cousins is legal in Maryland, cohabitation and consensual sexual relationships between first cousins are also lawful. There are no statutes that criminalize such relationships between consenting adults who are first cousins.
Historical Context
Historically, cousin marriages were more common and socially acceptable in many cultures, including parts of the United States. Over time, various states enacted laws either prohibiting or permitting marriages between first cousins based on genetic, cultural, or social considerations. Maryland’s current legal stance reflects a permissive approach to first-cousin marriages.
Conclusion
In summary, Maryland law permits marriages between first cousins, and such unions are legally recognized without any special conditions or restrictions. As marriage laws vary significantly across states, individuals considering such a union should consult the specific statutes of the state in question and may benefit from legal counsel to fully understand the implications.