For decades now, the South had endured teasing and tormenting about members of their states being the result of inbreeding. Mostly coming from northerners, Kentucky and Alabama were some of the most referenced states for these jokes. Now Republican Kentucky state Rep. Nick Wilson wants to ensure cousin loving is legal and state-sanctioned.
As it stands, incest in KY is defined as “his or her parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, great-grandparent, great-grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, brother, sister, first cousin, ancestor, or descendent.” However, through House Bill 269, the definition will remove “first cousin from the list of familial relationships.” It would also downgrade incest from a Class C felony to a Class D, “unless it is committed with a person who is less than twelve years of age.”
This kind of horrific idea is coming from someone who didn’t even need to run a campaign to get elected. Running unopposed for the 82nd District of the Kentucky House back in November 2022, it’s clear that the district needs more people interested in politics. Advocating for law changes like this is not only incredibly dangerous, but it also sets a bad precedence for your state and others.
Given the horrific weather resulting in horrible farming conditions, a bleak economic forecast, and little hope for improvement, the people needed something to feel positive about. Loving your cousin, though, is likely not the thing they had in mind for that positivity boost. While Wilson has done little to condone or support his bill since it became public knowledge, one thing is for certain; the next Wilson family reunion will be interesting.
