STATE BANS FIRST COUSINS FROM GETTING MARRIED ON OCT 1ST

Connecticut is about to change its marriage laws in a major way. Beginning October 1, the state will officially ban marriages between first cousins. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle supported the measure earlier this year, citing health concerns over potential birth defects linked to procreation between close relatives.

State law already prohibits marriage between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, and siblings. Now, first cousins are being added to that list.

Reactions from residents have been mixed. “It’s just so wrong because of the birth defects,” said Rocky Hill resident Joanna Purcaro. Others, like Tom Kelly of Hartford, took a lighter approach, saying, “That’s pretty wild. I would never have thought about marrying my first cousin… but whatever floats your boat.”

Interestingly, Connecticut joins a growing number of states enforcing such bans. In nearby Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Vermont, first-cousin marriages remain legal.