This state is about to ban marriage between first cousins

KEY POINTS

Connecticut instituted a ban on first cousins marrying, effective October 1.

Previously-made marriages between first cousins remain valid in Connecticut

Some states put restrictions on first-cousin marriage, including requiring genetic counseling.

Connecticut’s ban on marriage between first cousins — the children of siblings — takes effect Oct. 1. The law, signed on June 23, makes it one of many states that totally ban such unions.

The law doesn’t restrict or penalize first-cousin couples who wed before the ban becomes law. Those marriages are still valid. The state had already said marriage between other close relatives, such as grandparents and their grandchildren is illegal.

Several states restrict such marriages, largely because the close familial relationship raises t