The measure has been sent to the governor, Republican Bill Lee, after being approved in the Tennessee Lower House with overwhelming support. Republican Rep.
Gino Bulso argued that the risk of a married couple of cousins having a child with birth defects does not exist for gay couples. He added that there is no compelling interest of the Government to ban marriage between same-sex cousins. Lawmakers eventually rejected Bulso's proposed amendment and approved the ban introduced by Democratic Rep. Darren Jernigan. The measure was approved with 75 votes in favor and two against, after the Senate had given it the green light without encountering opposition. The bill was approved by a wide margin sending to theGovernor, fellow Republican BillLee, a proposal that would prohibit marriage between first cousins in the state. The bill has been approved by the Tennessee legislature, with a Republican majority, and sent to Governor Bill Lee for his consideration. The vote was approved on Thursday by aWide margin sending the measure to the Governor, fellow Republicans Bill Lee.