Texas now prohibits cousins from marrying
this is taken from Cousin Couples website
It is now illegal for cousins to marry in TEXAS.
Org. Page: http://www.cousincouples.com/?page=texas
"As of September 1st, 2005, the state of Texas no longer accepts marriages between first cousins. In fact, the language of the new law now deems first cousin as felons! The civil marriage laws and criminal laws were amended.
Representative Harvey Hilderbran introduced an amendment that was tacked on a bill that strengthened child protection laws in the state of Texas. This was not a stand-alone bill, nor would a stand-alone bill ever be passed on this day and time.
I spoke with a spokesperson for Representative Hilderbran. I was informed that the bill was aimed at folks with plural marriages (Bigamists). They simply borrowed language from Utah, of all places. I guess that is why they changed the criminal code, too. It now matches Utah's code. I believe Utah was the only state that had criminal laws on the books that included first cousins.
What can be done? Check back. You can start by calling Rep Hilderbran's office at (512) 463-0536 or send him an email here.
Check back often for updated information. CousinCouples.com had no prior knowledge of this bill. Not one media outlet mentioned the fact that first cousins would be prohibited to marry in the state of Texas. Amendments are not given much attention from the media. Such an amendment is unfounded, and unconstitutional. Let's prove it.
If you are a Texan, you can change the laws in your state. Post a message on the message board, or send me an email We can find free legal help for you."