Post by deyana on Apr 12, 2024 23:40:29 GMT -5
Tennessee lawmakers send bill to ban first-cousin marriages to governor
The Republican-led Tennessee Legislature has overwhelmingly voted to send GOP Gov. Bill Lee a proposal that would ban marriage between first cousins.
Then during Thursday’s floor debate, the socially conservative attorney argued that the risk of married cousins having a child with birth defects does not exist for gay couples. He contended there is no compelling government interest to ban same-sex cousins from getting married, saying that would run afoul of the U.S. Supreme Court’s gay marriage decision.
Ultimately, lawmakers voted down Bulso’s amendment and approved the ban proposed by Democratic Rep. Darren Jernigan.
“I hope it’s safe to say that in 2024, we can close this loophole,” Jernigan said.
halifax.citynews.ca/2024/04/11/tennessee-lawmakers-send-bill-to-ban-first-cousin-marriages-to-governor/
The Republican-led Tennessee Legislature has overwhelmingly voted to send GOP Gov. Bill Lee a proposal that would ban marriage between first cousins.
Then during Thursday’s floor debate, the socially conservative attorney argued that the risk of married cousins having a child with birth defects does not exist for gay couples. He contended there is no compelling government interest to ban same-sex cousins from getting married, saying that would run afoul of the U.S. Supreme Court’s gay marriage decision.
Ultimately, lawmakers voted down Bulso’s amendment and approved the ban proposed by Democratic Rep. Darren Jernigan.
“I hope it’s safe to say that in 2024, we can close this loophole,” Jernigan said.
halifax.citynews.ca/2024/04/11/tennessee-lawmakers-send-bill-to-ban-first-cousin-marriages-to-governor/
