Governor DeSantis Urges Florida Lawmakers to Prohibit Cousin Marriages: A Bold Legislative Proposal

TAMPA, Fla. – In a surprising turn during a bill signing event on Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged state legislators to prohibit cousin marriages in the state. The call to action came amid discussions over a newly signed law aimed at addressing terrorism-related concerns.

At the Tampa press conference, DeSantis officially enacted HB 1471, a piece of legislation empowering the state to label certain groups as terrorist organizations. However, it was the governor’s comments on cousin marriages that captured widespread attention, as he introduced the topic unexpectedly alongside the primary legislative focus.

But while speaking about the new legislation, the governor also brought up a rather strange issue that made headlines in recent weeks.

“Florida doesn’t ban cousin marriage… That’s a hanging curveball for us to do,” he said. “We need to do that. Other states have done it. I don’t know why we wouldn’t. But obviously, that feeds in to some of the stealth jihad that we see when you’re allowing things like that.”

IS IT ACTUALLY LEGAL TO MARRY YOUR COUSIN IN FLORIDA?

Current law already prohibits incestuous marriages, such as those between siblings, parents, nieces, nephews, and grandparents.

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However, first cousins aren’t included on that list, leaving Florida among 16 states that currently have no restrictions on such marriages. Other states are as follows:

• Alabama

• Alaska

• California

• Colorado

• Florida

• Georgia

• Hawaii

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• New Jersey

• New Mexico

• New York

• Rhode Island

• South Carolina

• Vermont

• Virginia

• North Carolina (first-cousin marriages are allowed, but not double first cousins)

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE SO FAR?

Back in December, a new bill — HB 733 — was filed by state Rep. Anne Gerwig (R-Greenacres), though it deals with a lot more than just marriage.

In fact, the bill aimed for a variety of changes involving the Department of Health and Florida’s healthcare workforce.

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However, a smaller provision included in the bill sought to include first cousins in the list of prohibited incestuous marriages. So far, well over 20 states already have blanket bans on these.

That said, HB 733 ultimately died after the Legislative deadline passed, despite both the House and Senate approving versions of the bill.

IS IT TOO LATE TO PASS A BILL THIS YEAR?

Lawmakers will need to return this month to pass a budget, as they failed to do so during the regular Legislative session.

Furthermore, DeSantis called for a special session on redistricting, which is set to kick off on April 20.

While no details have been shared about whether similar legislation to HB 733 will be introduced during these sessions, the window remains open for lawmakers to address the issue this year.

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