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You cannot legally marry your cousin, unless you are both over 50.

Funny Rating:★★★★
Added: 2026/3/18

The Law

Illinois has a highly specific exception to its prohibition on incestuous marriages. First cousins are legally allowed to marry each other, but only if both parties are 50 years of age or older, or if one party is permanently sterile. The reasoning stems from biological concerns regarding genetic defects in offspring, which become a non-issue at an advanced age.

Source & Citation

Code/Statute: 750 ILCS 5/212
Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act

Tags:

#il#marriage#family#biology