Summary: House Bill 8 would recognize marriages between 1st cousins from other jurisdictions where 1st cousin marriage is legal.
Analysis: Scientific evidence shows that children born to first cousins face a higher risk of birth defects and genetic disorders due to the increased likelihood of inheriting harmful genetic traits from both parents. By endorsing these marriages, HB 8 disregards these well-documented health risks, putting future generations at unnecessary risk. This sets a dangerous precedent of prioritizing personal freedoms over the well-being of the children harmed from these unions.