Argos(FGCU)Cousins Should Have the Right to Marry Each Other

 

Marrying one’s first cousin is illegal in 25 states. The thought of marrying one’s first cousin is socially repugnant to most people, but has been widely practiced in society for generations. The European royal families such as the Hapsburgs, purposely married within their family tree. One of the main reason people feel that marrying between cousins is unacceptable is because of the potential of genetic defects. However the risk of genetic defects is only 2-3% higher among first cousin couples than unrelated couples. People in our society with known inheritable genetic defects like dwarfism, Huntington’s, and Down’s syndrome are allowed to marry; therefore, this can not be considered a reason to inhibit first cousin marriage. Romantic relationships among cousins are viewed as similar to incestuous sibling relationships. However, many first cousins are not raised together and do not necessarily view their first cousin as an immediate family member. If two consenting adults happen to fall in love with their first cousin why should they be denied marrying their true love just because its socially not acceptable? Twenty years ago would anyone have thought that same sex marriage would be allowed in some states? Maybe first cousin marriage is next.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/26/garden/26cousins.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

2 Responses to “Argos(FGCU)Cousins Should Have the Right to Marry Each Other”

  1. christina abraham says:

    I personally have had people in my family marry their first cousins back in Egypt. i see it as wrong and quite inappropriate. How would u feel about marring your brother or sister. Although, this may be just me because i have grown up with my first cousins i see them as brothers to me. On the other hand i do understand if the two people never met before and happen to fall in love. i do not think it is right that a law is allowed to prevent any two people from choosing to marry each other wether it be your first cousin or some one of the same sex.

Leave a Reply