A contentious debate has erupted in the House of Commons over a proposal to ban first-cousin marriages in the UK. The issue touches on sensitive cultural, social, and health considerations, making it a complex topic of national significance.
The proposal, introduced by Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay, Richard Holden, seeks to outlaw first-cousin marriages under the “Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill.” However, Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed has called for a more nuanced and science-based approach to the matter.
A health issue, not a legal one
Speaking during the debate on Tuesday, 10 December MP for Dewsbury and Batley Mohamed Iqbal urged the government to focus on education and health awareness rather than imposing legal restrictions. He stated:
“The way to redress the issue is not to empower the state to ban adults from marrying each other, not least because I do not think such measures would be effective or enforceable. Instead, the matter must be approached as a health awareness issue.”
Mr. Mohamed proposed measures such as advanced health screening and community education to address the associated risks. Highlighting the cultural context, he encouraged empathy and understanding:
“An estimated 35% of all Sub-Saharan African populations either prefer or accept cousin marriage, and it is extremely common in the Middle East and South Asia. The practice is viewed as a way to strengthen family bonds and secure financial stability.”
Historical and social perspectives
The practice of cousin marriage has historical precedent, even among European royalty. For example, Queen Victoria married her first cousin, Prince Albert, while other royal unions involved close family ties to reinforce political alliances.
Despite these traditions, health risks associated with first-cousin marriages are well-documented. The NHS notes that children born to first cousins are at an increased risk of inheriting genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia. These risks arise because certain genetic conditions only manifest if both parents carry the same gene, a likelihood heightened in consanguineous unions.
The case for legal change
Mr. Holden emphasised these risks in his proposal, also linking the practice to broader social issues such as the control of women and outdated traditions. Drawing on historical examples, he mentioned Charles Darwin’s concerns after three of his children, born from his first-cousin marriage, tragically died in childhood.
“There are three real issues at stake: health, freedom, and our national values,” Mr. Holden said.
Shifting trends in the UK
Research from the Born in Bradford project reveals significant shifts in attitudes toward cousin marriages within the Pakistani community in Bradford. While 62% of women in a study conducted between 2007 and 2010 were married to a first or second cousin, this figure dropped to 46% in a follow-up study from 2016 to 2019.
The study suggests that higher educational attainment, evolving family dynamics, and stricter immigration rules have contributed to the decline. Among UK-born Pakistani mothers, the proportion marrying a cousin fell from 60% to 36%.
Professor Neil Small, who has been involved with Born in Bradford, attributes the decline to increased awareness of congenital risks, extended education, and changing parent-child conversations about marriage.
A positive alternative
Mr Mohamed advocates for a strategy modelled on practices in the Persian Gulf, where advanced genetic screening for prospective couples is routine. He urged the government to invest in similar programs in the UK and to focus on culturally sensitive health education campaigns targeting communities where cousin marriage is most prevalent.
In his closing remarks, Mr Mohamed called on Parliament to reject the motion:
“A much more positive approach would be to facilitate advanced genetic test screening for prospective married couples and run health education programs targeting those communities where the practice is most common. I therefore urge the House to vote against the motion and to find a more positive approach to addressing the issues caused by first-cousin marriage, including the health risks.”
With evolving community attitudes and increased understanding of genetic risks, a balanced and culturally sensitive approach could address the challenges posed by first-cousin marriages without resorting to outright bans.
