Texas Congressman Introduces Bill to Ban Cousin Marriages, Noting it’s ‘Permitted Under Sharia’ and ‘Incompatible with American Culture and Values’

Texas Republican Rep. Keith Self has introduced legislation that would effectively ban cousin marriages nationwide by denying federal benefits to any union between first cousins or closer relatives, which he noted is “permitted under Sharia.”

The bill poses a direct challenge to the practice that remains legal in 18 states and the District of Columbia.

The Consanguineous Marriage Prohibition Act targets marriages between individuals who are first cousins or more closely related.

While it would not change the legal definition of marriage in any state, it would prevent such unions from being recognized for purposes of federal benefits, including Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and federal employees’ life and health insurance benefits.

Rep. Self announced the bill in a post on X Thursday afternoon.

Cousin marriage—which is permitted under Sharia—is fundamentally incompatible with American culture and values.

It should not be allowed anywhere in our country. I’ve introduced the bill to ban it nationwide.@pedrobrodrigue7 @DailySignal https://t.co/4hwofSzKAn

— Rep. Keith Self (@RepKeithSelf) April 30, 2026

Self wrote, “Cousin marriage—which is permitted under Sharia—is fundamentally incompatible with American culture and values.”

“It should not be allowed anywhere in our country. I’ve introduced the bill to ban it nationwide,” Self added.

Speaking to the Daily Signal, Self asserted, “The expectation of assimilation into Western values includes accepting America’s cultural marriage standards.”

Self, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, argued that cousin marriages pose serious health risks to children born from such unions. He cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies showing that children of first-cousin marriages have twice the incidence of birth defects, with the risk of stillbirths and infant deaths increased by 50%.

These children also face higher rates of learning disabilities, lifelong health issues, and reduced life expectancy.

“The expectation of assimilation into Western values includes accepting America’s cultural marriage standards,” Self stated.

The congressman emphasized that cousin marriage is common in certain ethnic and cultural groups, with rates reaching as high as 40% in some communities, and is explicitly permitted under Sharia law.

Self continued, “The vast majority of states have already banned this third-world practice. It’s time for Congress to finish the job and enact a nationwide prohibition.”

The Daily Signal reports:

Self’s proposal comes after allegations that Rep. Ilhan Omar, D‑Minn., married her cousin to obtain immigration benefits and entry into the United States. Omar has denied the accusation, calling it a “ridiculous lie.”

In January, Rep. Nancy Mace, R‑S.C., subpoenaed Omar and her alleged “brother‑husband” as part of an effort to determine whether Omar committed immigration fraud or violated federal law.

“If these allegations are true, they raise grave concerns involving potential marriage fraud, immigration fraud, and violations of federal and state law,” Mace said at the timeopens in a new tab. “No one, no matter how politically protected, should be above the law.”

Omar did not respond to The Daily Signal’s request for comment.

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