Texas Congressman Introduces Bill to Ban Cousin Marriages, Noting it’s ‘Permitted Under Sharia’ and ‘Incompatible with American Culture and Values’
Texas Republican Rep. Keith Self has introduced legislation that would effectively ban cousin marriages nationwide by denying federal benefits to any union between first cousins or closer relatives, which he noted is “permitted under Sharia.”
The bill poses a direct challenge to the practice that remains legal in 18 states and the District of Columbia.
The Consanguineous Marriage Prohibition Act targets marriages between individuals who are first cousins or more closely related.
While it would not change the legal definition of marriage in any state, it would prevent such unions from being recognized for purposes of federal benefits, including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and federal employees’ life and health insurance benefits.
Rep. Self announced the bill in a post on X Thursday afternoon.
