A former Conservative minister, Richard Holden, has called for a ban on first-cousin marriages in the UK, citing health risks for children born from such unions. Introducing the proposal in Parliament, Holden argued that first-cousin marriages, while less common in Western countries, are prevalent in certain communities, such as Irish travellers and British Pakistanis, where they can occur at rates as high as 20-40%. Research suggests that children of first cousins face double the risk of inheriting serious genetic disorders.
Holden stressed that the ban would also protect women from being pressured into marriages due to cultural and social expectations. He claimed that such marriages are detrimental to the values of modern British society and democracy.
However, independent MP Iqbal Mohamed opposed the ban, arguing that it would be ineffective and difficult to enforce. He acknowledged the health risks but suggested that the issue should be addressed through education and genetic screening programs, rather than state intervention. Mohamed emphasized the importance of raising awareness in communities where cousin marriages are more common.
The UK government has indicated it needs more time to consider the issue before taking a formal position. Currently, the law prohibits marriages between siblings, parents, and children, but does not restrict first-cousin unions.