I really don't see why they shouldn't get married. The major reason for banning a brother-sister marriage is that their offspring stand a much high chance of birth defects (although I'm not sure there's proof of this). Since the two people you mention can't have kids anyway, why should there be a problem with this?

What? He's still her biological brother. Why would they think to marry each other? (I'm assuming that's where you were going with this).

It's my opinion here when I say "Most definitely not." For one, if she knew it was her brother, I am having a rather difficult time imagining that anyone could "fall in love" with someone that close in relation. I mean honestly, I can't even fathom having the slightest bit of a crush on my 2nd cousin. It just seems wrong in too many ways. Secondly, cancer is a horrible disease. It really honestly is. Don't get me wrong on that. But having cancer does not exclude you from any laws. If anyone else isn't to marry their sibling, then surely this case shouldn't be allowed, either.

They would knowingly be enbarking on an incestuous relationship. My thumbs down on this one.

This is an extremely interesting question to me. I've never told this story on AB. In fact, I've only told a few people in real life. I am adopted. I found my biological family when I was 29 years old. I was raised as an only child. I found out that I had 10 half brothers and sisters. Many of them I met within a year. However, my oldest half brother I had not met or seen pictures of. When I met him it was quite a shock. He and I had had a chance encounter one night and danced together. He was/is very handsome and I was attracted to him and he was attracted to me. For reasons unknown, we didn't pursue a relationship. There was definitely a high level of attraction between us. Yet at the same time something didn't quite feel right. Needless to say, I'm extremely glad we never pursued our instant attraction. As far as being allowed to get married, I certainly think they should be allowed to get married. Whether or not I agree with it doesn't matter. It's not so different than asking if two gay people should be allowed to get married. Even though they're not related, it basically comes down to what society is willing to tolerate. Why does anyone have the right to tell you who you can or can't marry? It's really nobodies business. It's your/my life and happiness.

I think it is wrong.

Instead of as a lover, I think she should get to know and love him as a brother.

I say go for it. The only rationale against incest is (1) the offspring (and the odds of a "screwed up" baby from one generation of incest are VASTLY exagerrated) or (2) the psychological dimension if you grew up together. Neither factor exists, so this is a no-brainer, let them have sex, let them get married. I'd say it would still be okay even if he could father children - like I said, the odds of problems are vastly exagerrated, and it really becomes more an issue of family planning and genetic screening to me. More important question - If this woman actually wanted to get married, why did she wait until she was 40?? ;)

My opinion is that they definitely should not get married. Love can be confusing sometimes. My advise would be for her to use that love she feels to get to know him as a brother/friend.

My opinion is that they definitely should not get married. Love can be confusing sometimes. My advise would be for her to use that love she feels to get to know him as a brother/friend. I wish them luck!!

In just about the entire civilised world brother and sister aren't allowed, by law, to marry each other; so what anybody thinks is irrelevant - they can't.

Check out the movie Lone Star. It is really good and deals with this issue - no testicular cancer though. I think people have a hard time with accepting this because it is taboo in our society. Also when we place ourselves in this situation you can't help but to imagine your sibling as the other so Its hard to picture it. But as others have said, in this situation there is no reason, besides societies judgment, that should prevent the two from marrying. The only thing I can think of is the psychological aspects of telling or not telling others. If they tell others their story they will have a hard time being accepted and if they keep it secret from everyone, holding that secret forever could be a strain on their relationship.

What law are you asking about - legal or moral? Morally, no way. Legally, I belive you have to check your individual states' law.

Personally, I seriously doubt that there is any state where a brother and sister could marry!! There are some serious laws regarding such a thing .... and it's called INCEST....something not allowed anywhere I'm aware of. Also, probably every state requires a blood test, and if anyone is paying attention it might reveal their paternal/maternal relationship.

And tomorrow night on Jerry Springer. Midgets in love with mini horses!