Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Mexico under federal civil law, but prohibited in 10 states. The Federal Civil Code permits unions between first cousins, while local statutes in Chiapas, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, Nuevo León, Puebla, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí criminalize such marriages. The National Population Council (CONAPO) enforces these disparities, reflecting Mexico’s decentralized legal framework.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Mexico
- Federal Law: The Federal Civil Code (Art. 147) allows first-cousin marriages nationwide, requiring parental consent if either party is under 18.
- State Bans: Ten states explicitly prohibit cousin marriages under penal codes (e.g., Código Penal de Chihuahua Art. 213), classifying violations as misdemeanors punishable by fines or community service.
- Procedural Hurdles: Even in permissive states, civil registrars (Registro Civil) may delay or deny licenses if local ordinances conflict with federal norms, necessitating legal appeals.
Compliance Note: As of 2026, CONAPO’s draft National Family Law Guidelines propose harmonizing state restrictions, but no binding federal override exists. Legal practitioners must verify jurisdiction-specific statutes before advising clients.