Last updated on October 23, 2025
Yes. Nebraska does not prohibit marriage on the basis of having a venereal disease.
A Law That’s Faded with Time
Once upon a time, Nebraska—like many other U.S. states—had laws that restricted marriage for individuals with certain medical conditions, including venereal diseases. These laws were part of a broader public health movement in the early 20th century, aimed at curbing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through legal and social controls. In 1923, Nebraska enacted a marriage law that required medical certification to ensure that neither party had a communicable disease, particularly syphilis, before a marriage license could be issued.
The law was part of a national trend influenced by the eugenics movement and public health campaigns that sought to prevent the transmission of diseases through marriage and procreation. At the time, venereal diseases were a major concern, and marriage laws were seen as a tool to manage public health risks.
Modern Shifts in Policy
Fast forward to today, and the legal landscape has changed dramatically. Nebraska no longer requires blood tests or medical screenings for venereal diseases as a condition for marriage. The state’s current marriage license requirements focus on age, identification, and marital status, with no mention of health conditions or disease status. Applicants are not asked to disclose any medical information, and there is no legal barrier preventing individuals with STIs from marrying.
This shift reflects a broader understanding of public health and individual rights. Modern medicine has made many STIs treatable or manageable, and public health strategies now emphasize education, testing, and treatment over legal restrictions. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services actively promotes STI prevention and testing but does not link these efforts to marriage eligibility.
A Legacy of Outdated Laws
Despite the repeal or dormancy of such laws, the myth persists. Some outdated legal trivia lists still claim that it’s illegal to marry in Nebraska if you have a venereal disease. But these claims are based on laws that have long since been revised or rendered obsolete by changes in public health policy and civil rights protections.
Today, Nebraska’s approach to marriage is inclusive and focused on ensuring that all couples—regardless of health status—have equal access to legal recognition. The state’s marriage license process is straightforward, and no medical tests are required. The emphasis is on consent, legal capacity, and proper documentation—not on personal health history.
A Sign of the Times
The evolution of Nebraska’s marriage laws is a reminder of how societal values and scientific understanding shape legislation. What was once seen as a necessary safeguard is now recognized as an outdated and discriminatory barrier. In its place is a system that respects privacy, promotes public health through education and access to care, and upholds the right to marry as a fundamental freedom.
So, if you’re in Nebraska and planning to get married, rest assured: your medical history won’t stand in your way. Just bring your ID, your partner, and your commitment—and leave the outdated myths behind.
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Sources
Title: Marriage License Information – Nebraska State Government (NebraskAccess)
Link: https://nebraskaccess.nebraska.gov/websites/MarriageLicense.asp
Publication Date: 2025