The former Survivor winner and Kentucky state representative Nick Wilson is withdrawing his controversial bill that would have legalized sex between first cousins. During the process, there was an inadvertent change that struck “first cousins” from the list of relationships included under the incest statute, and he failed to re-add it. He plans to refile a bill with the “first cousin” language intact and has explained the purpose of the bill was to add “sexual contact” to Kentucky’s statute defining incest.
Nick Wilson, a former Survivor winner and current Kentucky state representative, withdrew a controversial bill that would have legalized sex between first cousins due to an inadvertent drafting error, but plans to refile with the language included in order to add ‘sexual contact’ to Kentucky’s statute defining incest.
Former Survivor winner and Kentucky state representative Nick Wilson has withdrawn his controversial bill that would have legalized sex between first cousins. The bill, HB 269, was initially introduced without the mention of first cousins, which Wilson explained as an inadvertent change during the drafting process. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, January 17, Wilson announced his decision to withdraw the bill and refile a new version with the “first cousin” language intact. He emphasized the efficiency of the legislative process in allowing him to rectify the mistake within a 24-hour period.
In his explanation, Wilson clarified that the purpose of the bill was to address the definition of incest in Kentucky’s statute by adding “sexual contact” to the existing definition, with a focus on cases that currently do not apply under the law. He highlighted the need to include sexual touching and groping by individuals with a familial relationship, discussing his bill as an effort to classify such behavior as a felony, while also increasing the penalty for cases involving victims under the age of 12.
Existing Kentucky legislation already prohibits sexual relationships with several familial connections, including first cousins. In his refiled bill, House Bill 289, Wilson stated that it only adds “sexual contact” to the definition of incest and applies a penalty to such conduct, with no other changes to current law. He expressed hope for the corrected version of the bill and emphasized the positive aspects of the legislation.
Nick Wilson, who rose to fame by winning Survivor: David vs. Goliath in 2018, made the transition to politics by running for the Kentucky House of Representatives unopposed and was elected to the seat. His time in the legislature has been marked by his backing of several controversial bills in the state, including those related to gender-affirming care for transgender children and the discussion of sexual orientation in schools. Despite the withdrawal and re-filing of his bill on incest, Wilson’s legislative efforts continue to garner attention and debate in Kentucky.
