A proposal by Basildon and Billericay MP Richard Holden to introduce a ban on cousin marriage in the UK has sparked controversy, with experts warning that it could be both damaging and unenforceable.
The bill, which is set for its second reading in Parliament on Friday, aims to outlaw marriages between cousins, citing potential health risks, including genetic disorders, and concerns over societal cohesion.
Cousin marriage is associated with a higher risk of recessive genetic conditions such as haemophilia, Cohen syndrome, and muscular dystrophy, as faulty genes from both parents can combine to increase the likelihood of such diseases in offspring. However, experts argue that the bill is not the right way to address the issue.
Natasha Rattu, CEO of Karma Nirvana, a charity working with survivors of forced marriages, criticized the bill, calling the response “Islamophobic” and counterproductive. She pointed out that such legislation could make those affected by forced cousin marriages less likely to seek help for fear of further stigmatization, suggesting that education and consultation with affected communities would be a more effective approach.
Professor Neil Small, co-author of the “Born in Bradford” study, highlighted the risks of cousin marriage, acknowledging that while the health effects can be severe, they occur in a relatively small number of cases. He argued that the issue would be better addressed through accessible genetic testing and education, rather than through a ban. He also raised concerns that such a law could discourage civil ceremonies, thus depriving couples of legal protections, which could particularly harm women.
Iqbal Mohamed, an Independent MP, also emphasized that genetic testing would be a more effective way to deal with the health risks of cousin marriage, noting that a ban would not be enforceable and would likely be ineffective in practice.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, which represents 30,000 Muslims, also expressed opposition to the proposed ban, arguing that it would curb fundamental freedoms and stigmatize families who rely on cousin marriage for social and emotional support.
Research from the “Born in Bradford” study, which tracks health outcomes in the city, revealed that cousin marriages, while still relatively common among some communities, have decreased significantly in recent years. The study found that six out of 100 children born to cousin marriages had congenital anomalies, but there has been growing recognition of the value of genetic testing and counseling.
Karma Nirvana, in its statement, called for a thoughtful, survivor-led approach, arguing that the bill was less about addressing health concerns and more about using the issue for political point-scoring and inciting division between communities.
In conclusion, experts agree that while cousin marriage can carry health risks, the proposed ban would not effectively address these issues. Instead, they advocate for science-based strategies like genetic testing and education to help individuals make informed decisions, while also ensuring the protection of civil liberties and the well-being of affected communities.
