Congressman Keith Self Introduces Bill to Ban Cousin Marriages

Congressman Keith Self (TX-03) has introduced the Consanguineous Marriage Prohibition Act of 2026 which would deny federal benefit recognition for marriages between individuals who are first cousins or more closely related.

In 18 states and the District of Columbia, marriage between first cousins is legal with no or limited restrictions. While the actual rate of consanguineous (related by blood) marriage in America is among the lowest at an estimated at 0.2% of all marriages, within certain ethnic and cultural groups, the rates are as much as 40%. The expectation of assimilation into Western values includes accepting America's cultural marriage standards.

Furthermore, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies have shown that children of these marriages have twice the incidence of birth defects, and the risk of stillbirths and infant deaths is increased by 50%. Throughout their lives, these children experience 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," said Congressman Keith Self. "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."

The Consanguineous Marriage Prohibition Act:

1. Denies federal benefit recognition for marriages between individuals who are first cousins or more closely related.
2. Affects marriage as a "qualifying life event" as well as affects benefit calculations with benefits in Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and TANF programs. There are additional impacts on federal employees' life and health insurance.
3. Does not alter any broader legal definitions of marriage.

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