The Tennessee state house has passed a bill prohibiting marriage between first cousins, with a vote of 75-2, sending the proposal to Governor Bill Lee's desk for approval. The bill, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Darren Jernigan, aims to close a loophole in a law enacted by the state's General Assembly in 1829, which currently allows marriage between first cousins. Jernigan explained that the bill would substitute the language "nor the child of a grandparent" with "nor the lineal descendant of a grandparent," effectively banning marriage between first cousins.

During the debate on the bill, Republican Rep. Gino Bulso, one of the two representatives who voted against the measure, argued for an amendment that would allow first cousins to marry if they first seek counseling from a genetic counselor. Bulso, a socially conservative attorney, contended that there is no compelling government interest to ban same-sex cousins from getting married, as they do not risk having children with birth defects. He also raised concerns that the bill could violate the U.S. Supreme Court's 2015 decision on same-sex marriage.

Despite Bulso's objections, lawmakers voted down his amendment and approved the ban proposed by Jernigan. The bill now awaits Governor Lee's decision. Jernigan clarified that his bill does not violate the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage and is solely focused on prohibiting marriage between first cousins. The only other lawmaker to vote against the bill was Monty Fritts. The controversy surrounding the bill highlights the ongoing debate over marriage laws and the intersection of legal and social issues in Tennessee.