One Tennessee lawmaker argued that the risk for birth defects in children conceived by relatives is low.
WSMV
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) – A bill passed in the Tennesse House that would make it illegal to marry your first cousin in the state, but it did not pass without argument from one lawmaker who pushed an amendment to make it legal for cousins to marry each other if they first received genetic counseling.
The bill as amended by Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, would prohibit first-cousin marriage unless the parties to the marriage contract received counseling from a genetic counselor licensed by the board of medical examiners. Bulso argued during a session that the bill could violate the Obergefell v. Hodges U.S. Supreme Court decision, which made same-sex marriage legal across the country.
Bulso said the bill was introduced as a public health-related matter, adding the law needed to be passed to prevent cousins from getting married and conceiving a child that could have an increased risk for birth defects. Bulso argued two men who are first cousins could get married without the risk of conceiving a child with birth defects.
“Is there a public health issue with a male marrying a male first cousin? Obviously, I think the answer is no,” Bulso said, adding the enhanced risk for birth defects would also not be present for women who marry their first cousin. “A female and a female cannot conceive a child.”
Bulso argued that the risk for birth defects in children conceived by relatives is low, between 1.7% and 2.8% according to the Journal of Genetic Counseling. Therefore, he said marriage between first cousins should be legal if they first receive a consultation from genetic counselors.
