Connecticut is set to prohibit marriages between first cousins as a new law signed earlier this year goes into effect October 1.

Newsweek reached out to the governor's office by email Saturday during non-working hours for more information.

Why It Matters

The upcoming prohibition marks a shift in Connecticut family law while aligning the state with more than 30 others in restricting first cousin marriages.

Previous state law already barred marriage between close relatives including parents, grandparents, siblings, and children.

By enacting this measure, Connecticut joins a trend among states targeting perceived genetic and social concerns associated with first cousin marriage, particularly the potential increased risk of birth defects in offspring.

What To Know

Lawmakers from both

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