Forbidden Relatives examines the laws against cousin marriage in the U.S. It describes their distribution and explains why some states have them and some do not. It also contrasts the laws with the absence of laws in any other country in the western world and explains this difference. A myth is central to the reason for the appearance of laws against cousin marriage in the U.S. The book describes this myth and analyzes how it came to be so entrenched in the U.S. despite the lack of empirical evidence to support it. Contrary to the belief of many people in the U.S., genetic data does not support the supposed dangers of cousin marriage. Thus, the book is of interest to people who are interested in U.S. law and to those who are interested in the origin of myths.

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Since the time of the original publication of the book, the following changes have occurred in the laws regarding cousin marriage:

1. Utah, 1996

  • First cousins can marry if both parties are over 65 or, if both are over 55, when either is unable to reproduce.

    2. Texas, 2005

  • Marriage of first cousins is prohibited but if the couple does not declare their relationship on the application for a marriage license, the marriage is not void.

    The book is available in either hard cover or paperback versions from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookseller. If you have any problems, contact The University of Illinois Press. You can email the publisher at uipress@uiuc.edu or phone 800/545-4703.