DelawareDelaware would recognize valid first cousin marriages from elsewhere
Delaware would treat a valid first cousin marriage from another state, territory, or country as valid, while barring those weddings within Delaware.
What it does
Delaware would recognize a first cousin marriage obtained or recognized elsewhere if it is valid there. First cousins still could not marry in Delaware.
Argument forIf enacted, the rule could help couples with valid first cousin marriages from elsewhere live in Delaware with their marriage recognized.
Argument againstCouples seeking a Delaware wedding might find the rule uneven because it would recognize valid first cousin marriages from elsewhere while barring local weddings.
More detail
Delaware would recognize a qualifying first cousin marriage. The marriage must have been obtained or recognized outside Delaware. The marriage must be valid under the law where it was obtained or recognized. First cousins would remain unable to marry in Delaware.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- May 6Defeated By House. Votes: 12 YES 23 NO 1 NOT VOTING 5 ABSENTLatest
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: fail.Lower
- Mar 19Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 1 Favorable, 9 On Its MeritsMinor
- Mar 6Adopted in lieu of the original bill HB 8, and Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in HouseIntroduced
- May 6Defeated By House. Votes: 12 YES 23 NO 1 NOT VOTING 5 ABSENTLatest
Civil Rights & Voting