Tennessee legislators have passed a bill aimed at prohibiting marriages between first cousins, sending it to GOP Governor Bill Lee for consideration. The bill, introduced by Democratic Representative Darren, was approved with a 75-2 vote in the House following the Senate’s unanimous support.
The measure saw opposition solely from Republican Representatives Gino Bulso and Monty Fritts, who were the lone dissenting voices among lawmakers.
During debate, an agitated Bulso raised eyebrows by forcefully advocating for an amendment permitting first-cousin unions if the couple undergoes genetic counseling. He argued against a blanket ban, particularly contrasting the lack of genetic risk in same-sex cousin marriages with the legal precedent set by the Supreme Court’s decision on gay marriage.
“The question is, is there a public health issue with a male marrying a male first cousin?” Bulso said. “And I think the answer is no.”
However, Bulso’s proposed amendment was rejected.
Rep. Jernigan emphasized the need to address this issue in contemporary times, referencing a decades-old attorney general’s opinion that allowed such marriages. He clarified that the proposed ban does not contradict the legal framework established by the Supreme Court regarding same-sex marriage.
“I hope it’s safe to say that in 2024, we can close this loophole,” Jernigan said.
