Yes, Mississippi permits first-cousin marriage under strict conditions, aligning with state statutes and 2026 legislative updates clarifying genetic counseling requirements for applicants with shared ancestry.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Mississippi
- Statutory Allowance: Miss. Code § 93-1-1 explicitly permits marriage between first cousins, provided no additional prohibitions apply.
- Genetic Counseling Mandate (2026): Applicants must submit a certificate from a licensed genetic counselor confirming no elevated risk of hereditary disorders, per Mississippi State Department of Health directives.
- Age and Consent: Both parties must be at least 21 years old or meet emancipation criteria; parental consent is void for cousin unions.
Local clerks in counties like Hinds and DeSoto enforce these rules, cross-referencing genetic counseling certificates with marriage license applications. The 2026 amendments stem from Senate Bill 2981, addressing judicial concerns over potential genetic risks while preserving familial marriage rights. Non-compliance risks license denial or annulment under Miss. Code § 93-1-17.