Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) introduced a bill banning cousin marriage, a practice that is legal in 18 states and the District of Columbia.
The Consanguineous Marriage Prohibition Act prohibits “federal benefit recognition for marriages between individuals who are first cousins or more closely related,” affects marriage as a “qualifying life event, as well as benefits calculations with Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and TANF programs,” but does not change any broader definition of marriage, his office explained. Discussing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Self’s office described that studies found that children from cousin marriages have twice the rate of birth defects and a greater risk of stillbirths. Infant death is increased by 50%, and children also experience greater learning disabilities, health issues, and reduced life expectancy.
“Cousin marriage—which is permitted under Sharia—is fundamentally incompatible with American culture and values. It should not be allowed anywhere in our country,” Self said in a statement. “The vast majority of states have already banned this third-world practice. It’s time for Congress to finish the job and enact a nationwide prohibition.”
Speaking to The Daily Signal, Self noted that cousin marriage under Sharia and is “fundamentally incompatible with American culture and values.”
“The vast majority of states have already banned this third‑world practice,” he added. “It’s time for Congress to finish the job and enact a nationwide prohibition.” Self further stated, “The expectation of assimilation into Western values includes accepting America’s cultural marriage standards.”
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer refused to support a bill banning first-cousin marriage in January, drawing criticism from conservative lawmakers.
