Marrying your first cousin is illegal in Iowa. Iowa law explicitly prohibits marriage between first cousins, and such marriages are considered void under state law.
What the Law Says
- Iowa Code Section 595.19: This statute lists prohibited marriages, including those between first cousins. The law states plainly: “Marriages between first cousins are void”.
- No Exceptions: Unlike some states that allow exceptions based on age or infertility, Iowa enforces a blanket ban with no special allowances for first cousin marriages.
- Other Cousins: Marriages between first cousins once removed and more distant relatives (such as second or third cousins) are allowed.
Additional Details
- Cohabitation and Sexual Relations: Although first cousins cannot marry in Iowa, they are permitted to cohabit and have sexual relations.
- Recognition of Out-of-State Marriages: It is unclear whether Iowa will recognize first cousin marriages performed legally in other states or countries.
Table
| Relationship Type | Marriage Legal in Iowa? |
|---|---|
| First Cousins | No |
| First Cousins Once Removed | Yes |
| Second Cousins or Beyond | Yes |
First cousin marriage is illegal and void in Iowa, with no exceptions. Marriages between more distant cousins are permitted.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://www.insideedition.com/gallery/kissing-cousins-states-where-marrying-your-relative-legal-48234
[3] https://law.justia.com/codes/iowa/title-xv/chapter-595/section-595-19/
[4] http://public.gettysburg.edu/~dperry/Class–Methods/Cross-Cousins.pdf
[5] https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-iowa/
