Bill to Ban First Cousin Marriages to Be Introduced in UK Parliament

A new bill proposing a ban on marriages between first cousins is set to be introduced in the UK Parliament today. If passed, this legislation would make unions between close relatives, including maternal or paternal cousins and uncle-aunt relationships, illegal in the country.

Currently, the Marriage Act of 1949 prohibits marriages between immediate family members such as siblings, parents, and their children. The Sexual Offences Act of 2003 further criminalizes specific sexual activities between family members. However, neither law addresses first cousin marriages, which have increasingly come under scrutiny.

The proposed legislation, brought forward by Member of Parliament Richard Bolden, aims to mitigate the genetic risks associated with cousin marriages. Bolden highlighted that such unions are nearly twice as likely to result in birth defects compared to non-related couples.

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While acknowledging the cultural significance of cousin marriages in some communities, Bolden emphasized the need to prioritize public health. “This is not about targeting traditions or communities but addressing the well-documented health risks,” he stated.

The bill has sparked discussions across political and cultural lines, with supporters emphasizing health concerns and critics pointing to potential cultural sensitivities. The outcome of this legislative effort is expected to shape future debates on genetic and public health issues in the UK.