In New Zealand, incest is a sexual union between a parent and a child (biological and adopted), a grandparent and grandchild (biological and adopted), and siblings and half-siblings. Consensual incest between adults is legal in the Netherlands. [27] Marriage between ancestors and descendants or between siblings is prohibited, although the Minister of Justice may grant an exemption by adoption in the case of siblings. Marriage between relatives by blood of the third and fourth degree is possible, but requires the signing of a declaration of consent by both partners. (Dutch Civil Law Book 1, Articles 41 and 42 [113]) Even though you may be bound by your parents` marriage, you are not related by blood, so you are not subject to consanguinity laws that make it illegal for close blood relatives to marry. Consanguinity laws criminalize marriage by the following parents: No, you cannot marry your niece unless certain circumstances apply to you. Marriage to the niece is known as avunculated marriage and refers to a marriage with a parent`s sibling or with a sibling`s child. This type of marriage can happen in some parts of the world, but in most places, blood-related marriages are not legal. Sexual relations between non-spouse family members, officially known as incest, are illegal in the United States because of the damage it can cause to family relationships. States also recognize that children from incestuous relationships tend to struggle with genetic defects, which is another reason to prohibit incest. Laws may prohibit sexual relations not only between blood relatives, but also between certain people who are not blood relatives, such as adoptive parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children.

Close cousins are covered, but distant cousins cannot do so unless they live in the same household as their siblings. Meanwhile, some states prohibit marriages between close relatives, even if they don`t involve sex. It doesn`t weigh down the logic that half-siblings can fall in love with each other. As long as they don`t live in Virginia, no part of their relationship is illegal. In all but one state, half-siblings can legally marry. Virginia takes a different approach, and half-siblings cannot marry in the state, even if their parents are no longer together. Under Virginia law, it doesn`t matter how long the parents have been divorced or if the couple has ever lived together as half-brothers. In some states, sexual relations between first cousins are prohibited (see Cousin Marriage Act in the United States by state for sex between cousins, as well as marriage between cousins, which is prohibited in some states). Many states also apply incest laws to parents who are not related by blood, including stepparents, siblings, stepparents, and persons related by adoption. [44] This raises many ethical questions about consent, victimization, legality and morality, but also a very important question: can a person have a healthy and consensual relationship, both sexually and emotionally, with a close relative? Incest is illegal in Norway and is defined as sexual intercourse between ancestors and offspring (including adopted offspring), siblings and even blended family. He faces up to 6 years in prison. [114] Incest is illegal in Madagascar.

In accordance with article 335.3 – Any sexual relationship between close relatives or relatives up to and including 3rd degree, in direct or collateral line, whose marriage is prohibited by law, or any sexual abuse committed by the father or mother or another ascendant or a person exercising parental authority over a child is considered incest. Findafamilyattorney.com – Is it illegal for half-siblings to marry? In other states and territories, incest may also occur if one of the parties has not yet reached the age of consent, but this does not preclude the possibility of bringing the more general charge of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10 (New South Wales and Northern Territory), 12, 16 or 17 (South Australia and Tasmania). This is particularly relevant where a particular form of sexual conduct between close parties does not fall within the legal definition of incest in a particular jurisdiction. In Denmark, incest is a sexual relationship between ancestors and children in a direct line and between brothers and sisters. Sexual intercourse with a descendant is punishable by up to 6 years in prison. Sexual relations between siblings are punishable by up to 2 years in prison. [88] [89] In this article, we will answer the following question: What are the states where you can marry your brothers and sisters? We will talk about the frequency of siblings and why this type of relationship is taboo. Incest in Cuba is illegal. According to Section 304: In Ohio, incest is permitted by law, provided that one party is not a parental figure of the other party. Since half-siblings are not blood relatives, they are legally free to marry.

There are no state laws prohibiting marriage between half-siblings because they are not likely to have children with genetic defects because they are close blood relatives. In Hong Kong, it is illegal to have sex with certain close relatives, even if they are adults. Forbidden relationships are grandfather-granddaughter, father-daughter, brother-sister and mother-son. The penalty is 20 years` imprisonment for male offenders and up to 14 years for women offenders. [47] The law does not apply to sexual relations with more distant relatives such as aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and cousin.