Two Tennessee Lawmakers Vote Against Bill Banning First Cousins from Marrying
The Tennessee House has passed a bill which bans first cousin marriages, but only after a lively debate.
The bill, sponsored by State Representative Darren Jernigan, aims to close a loophole in a law dating back to 1829.
While some argued for a narrow exception, citing potential public health concerns, others raised issues related to same-sex marriage legality.
According to WSMV, the Tennessee House approved the bill during a vote on Thursday, April 11.
Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood) offered an amendment, though, that would have permitted first cousins to get married – provided they first got genetic counseling – so it did not pass by a unanimous vote.
Marriage between first cousins is still legal in California, Alaska, Hawaii, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Should first cousins be able to marry?
