Ban cousin marriages in Britain

British MP Richard Holden’s demand in parliament

Uk calls for ban on cousin-sister marriages

London (UK) – Marriages between cousins have been strongly associated with a significant increase in the risk of genetic disorders and disabilities in children born from such unions, creating a considerable strain on public health systems. During a parliamentary session, British Conservative MP Richard Holden called for a ban on cousin marriages in the UK. While marriages between siblings are already prohibited under British law, there are no existing regulations concerning cousin marriages. Holden’s proposal has received support from several MPs, but implementing such legislation would require Government approval.

“🇬🇧👫 Ban on Cousin Marriages Proposed in UK Parliament! 🚫

Key Points:
✦ Children born from such marriages face double the risk of genetic diseases 🤕
✦ Opposition from Indian-origin Mu$l|m MP
✦ Hinduism already prohibits such marriages, showcasing its greatness! 🙏… pic.twitter.com/r5fM1mPO4H

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) December 12, 2024

Genetic disorders : A doubling of risk in cousin marriages

Quoting research from the Oxford Journal of Law and Religion, MP Richard Holden highlighted that cousin marriages are particularly prevalent within certain immigrant communities in Britain, including British-Pakistanis and Irish Travellers. These communities account for approximately 40% of all cousin marriages in the UK. Children born from such unions face twice the risk of developing genetic disorders compared to those born from unrelated parents. Holden argued that this practice not only poses serious health risks but also jeopardises women’s safety, deeming it inappropriate for a modern British society. He noted that the issue has become increasingly alarming compared to earlier generations, when awareness of such risks was limited. Although there has been a gradual decline in the practice, as many younger individuals have begun to reject it, Holden stressed the need to eliminate cousin marriages altogether. Globally, an estimated 10% of marriages involve cousins, with prevalence rates as high as 35%–40% in Sub-Saharan Africa and widespread occurrences in the Middle East and South Asia. In some regions of Pakistan, the rate of cousin marriages reaches up to 80%.

My speech yesterday proposing to end first cousins marriage in the U.K.

For reason of:

1. Women’s rights & freedom
2. People’s health
3. Integration & societal cohesion

I call on Sir @Keir_Starmer to lead Labour in backing my bill #BanFirstCousinMarriage pic.twitter.com/VyZdOuBo5C

— Richard Holden MP (@RicHolden) December 11, 2024

Opposition from an Indian-origin Muslim MP

Mp Richard Holden (in the frame) who called for a ban on cousin-sister marriages and Iqbal Mohammed, an Indian-origin British MP who opposed it

Indian-origin British MP Iqbal Mohammed opposed the proposal in Parliament, arguing that banning cousin marriages is not the right solution. He suggested that awareness campaigns could address the issue more effectively. Mohammed explained that cousin marriages are prevalent in some communities because they help strengthen family bonds and safeguard familial property.