A new proposal to ban marriages between first cousins is set to be debated in the UK Parliament, with Conservative MP Richard Holden leading the charge. Holden plans to introduce the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday, citing concerns about the health risks associated with such marriages and their potential to perpetuate harmful social structures.
Currently, UK law prohibits marriages between close relatives such as siblings, parents, and children under the Marriage Act of 1949, but it does not include first cousins. Despite growing awareness of the issue, marriages between first cousins remain legal, and studies indicate these unions are linked to a higher rate of birth defects, with the risks reportedly double compared to the general population.
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Holden emphasized that while cousin marriages may be culturally common in some communities, they raise significant concerns regarding women’s autonomy and public health. He has called for a reconsideration of current marriage laws to reflect modern values and reduce health risks associated with these unions.
In response, Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones acknowledged the need for time to thoroughly review marriage laws, including the Law Commission’s 2022 report on weddings, before taking a public stance on the matter.
Holden, known for advocating social reforms such as banning practices like hymenoplasty, views this proposed law as part of broader efforts to address issues of control and social inequality. He believes the UK must take action, especially as the discussion around first-cousin marriages is already taking place in other countries.
The Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill would require amendments to both the Marriage Act of 1949 and the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which currently criminalizes certain forms of sexual activity within close family relationships but does not extend to first cousins.
