Richard Holden, a Conservative former minister in the United Kingdom, has called for a ban on first-cousin marriages, citing public health concerns over the increased risk of birth defects among children of such unions.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Holden introduced his proposals under the 10-minute rule, emphasizing that banning first-cousin marriages would help protect public health. Current UK law prohibits marriages between close relatives, such as siblings or parents and children, but does not extend this restriction to first cousins.
Holden noted that while first-cousin marriages are relatively rare in Western countries, certain diaspora communities, including Irish Travellers and British Pakistanis, exhibit rates as high as 20% to 40%. He cited research indicating that children of first cousins face approximately double the risk of inheriting serious genetic disorders compared to children of unrelated parents.
The MP for Basildon and Billericay also argued that the practice limits women’s freedoms, stating, “Women and girls living under a clan mentality often understand the scientific risks but are pressured by strict honour codes that stifle individuality and may lead to social isolation, violence, or even death in extreme cases.”
Holden further contended that first-cousin marriages are “not really conducive to modern British society.”
However, independent MP Iqbal Mohamed opposed the proposed ban, arguing that it would be ineffective and unenforceable. Instead, Mohamed advocated for health awareness campaigns and genetic testing initiatives.
“The solution is not to empower the state to ban adults from marrying each other,” said Mohamed, who represents Dewsbury and Batley. “This is better addressed as a health and cultural awareness issue, particularly in communities where women may be coerced into such marriages.”
He suggested that health education programmes and accessible genetic screening for prospective couples would be more productive approaches, adding that stigmatizing individuals in cousin marriages would only exacerbate the issue.
Downing Street acknowledged expert advice regarding the risks associated with first-cousin marriages but confirmed there are no plans to change current legislation. Without government support, Holden’s proposed bill is unlikely to progress due to the limited time available for private members’ bills in Parliament.
