AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 13 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MARRIAGES.

Plain English Breakdown

The bill's status indicates it did not pass the legislature, which affects its current applicability.

Allowing First Cousin Marriages in Delaware

This act changes Delaware's laws to recognize marriages between first cousins if they were legally performed outside of Delaware.

What This Bill Does

• Changes the marriage law in Delaware to recognize marriages between first cousins if they are legal where the marriage took place.

Who It Names or Affects

• People who are first cousins and want their marriage recognized in Delaware
• Marriage officials in Delaware

Terms To Know

First Cousins

Children of siblings, like the children of your aunt or uncle.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill did not pass both chambers of the legislature and was defeated in the House.
• It only affects marriages that were legal where they took place, not all first cousin relationships.

Official Summary Text

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 13 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO MARRIAGES.
Twenty-six states presently allow first cousin marriages. No European country prohibits marriages between first cousins. It is also legal throughout Canada and Mexico. This Act amends Delaware’s marriage laws by recognizing a valid marriage obtained or recognized outside Delaware, between first cousins, as a valid and legal marriage in Delaware.