Florida permits first cousin marriages, a legality shared with 17 other states that often surprises residents and prompts inquiries into its continued allowance. This practice, though uncommon, remains legally permissible across a significant portion of the United States. The reasons behind its continued allowance in these states, including Florida, often stem from historical precedent and the absence of recent legislative challenges.
Maine has raised its minimum marriage age to 18, requiring parental consent for all marriages involving minors. This new law, which follows a previous increase from 16 to 17, aims to prevent child marriages, particularly those involving coercion. The bill passed the legislature and became law after Governor Mills’ inaction, making Maine the 14th state to enact such a ban. Advocacy groups celebrated this victory, achieved after a six-year campaign, although expressing disappointment at the Governor’s lack of public endorsement.
John Q. Hosedrinker