Yes, it is illegal to marry your first cousin in Minnesota. The state’s statutes explicitly prohibit civil marriage between first cousins, whether the relationship is by the whole or half blood, and this prohibition applies regardless of whether the relationship is by adoption as well.
Details from the Law
- Minnesota Statutes Section 517.03: The law states, “a civil marriage between an uncle or aunt and a niece or nephew, or between first cousins, whether the relationship is by the half or the whole blood, except as to civil marriages permitted by the established customs of aboriginal cultures,” is prohibited.
- No Exception for Most Residents: The only exception is for marriages permitted by the established customs of aboriginal cultures, which means the ban does not apply to certain Native American or aboriginal groups if their traditions allow cousin marriage.
- Other Family Relationships: The law also prohibits marriage between siblings, ancestors and descendants, and between uncles/aunts and nieces/nephews.
Current Legal and Social Context
- Proposed Changes: There has been recent legislative discussion about repealing the ban, particularly to address cultural practices and immigration issues among some Minnesota communities. However, as of now, the law remains in effect and first cousin marriage is still prohibited.
- Workarounds: Some Minnesota residents who wish to marry their first cousin travel to states where such marriages are legal.
- Cohabitation and Sexual Relations: While marriage is prohibited, Minnesota does allow first cousins to cohabitate and have sexual relations, but not to marry.
Table
| Relationship | Marriage Legal in MN? | Exception for Aboriginal Custom? |
|---|---|---|
| First Cousins | No | Yes |
| First Cousins Once-Removed | Yes | N/A |
| Half-Cousins | No | Yes (if aboriginal custom) |
| Cohabitation/Sexual Relations | Yes | N/A |
It is illegal to marry your first cousin in Minnesota, except in cases permitted by the established customs of aboriginal cultures. Otherwise, Minnesota law prohibits such marriages, though first cousins may cohabit or have sexual relations.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2015/cite/517.03
[3] https://jssmn.com/civil-marriage/
[4] https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-minnesota-heres-what-the-law-says/
[5] https://www.insideedition.com/gallery/kissing-cousins-states-where-marrying-your-relative-legal-48234