LONDON, The United Kingdom – A proposed bill to ban cousin marriage in the UK has ignited a contentious debate over its public health implications and potential effects on civil liberties.
While supporters argue that the ban would address health risks associated with consanguineous unions, experts and community leaders warn that it could be damaging, unenforceable, and counterproductive.
Introduced by Conservative MP Richard Holden in December, the private member’s bill seeks to outlaw cousin marriage, citing its “risks to health, freedom … and the cohesion of our society.”
The bill had its second reading on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Marriage between cousins has been linked to an increased risk of recessive genetic conditions, such as haemophilia and muscular dystrophy, due to the likelihood of shared “faulty genes” in both parents.
The Born in Bradford study found that six out of 100 children born to cousin marriages had a congenital anomaly or recessive condition.
Opposition from Experts
Health and social experts have pushed back against the proposed ban, advocating for education and genetic testing as more effective solutions.
Professor Neil Small, co-author of the Born in Bradford study, highlighted that while cousin marriages carry an increased risk, they are far from the leading cause of poor child health in the UK.
“The single biggest thing that damages children’s health is deprivation,” he said. Small emphasised the importance of accessible genetic testing and counselling to help families make informed decisions, rather than imposing restrictive laws.
He also warned that a ban could discourage civil marriages, particularly in Islamic communities, potentially leaving women without legal protections if marriages break down.
Declining Trend
Data from Born in Bradford shows a significant decline in cousin marriages among younger generations.
Among mothers under 25, the rate dropped from 62% at the study’s outset in 2007 to 28% in 2020.
The decline has been attributed to education, greater integration, and changing attitudes among families born or raised in the UK.
Community Concerns
Organisations such as Karma Nirvana and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK have criticised the bill, suggesting it risks stigmatising communities and inciting division.
Natasha Rattu, CEO of Karma Nirvana, called the bill “counterintuitive to anybody affected by the negative impacts of first-cousin marriage” and warned that it could deter people from seeking help.
A spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK argued that cousin marriages often provide “support, stability, and love within the family unit” and that a ban would undermine fundamental freedoms.
Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed also opposed the legislation, stating that “genetic test screening” is a better solution to documented health risks.
Political and Social Implications
Critics of the bill have accused Holden of using the issue for political gain, pointing to the “Islamophobic” backlash it has generated.
“We cannot support Richard Holden’s bill,” Karma Nirvana said in a statement, “not because we condone cousin marriage, but because we believe the true agenda is not to address the harms … but to use it as a tool for political point-scoring, inciting hate, and driving a wedge between communities.”
A Complex Issue
The debate highlights the complexity of addressing public health concerns while respecting cultural practices and civil liberties.
While the health risks associated with cousin marriages are well-documented, the declining trend and availability of genetic testing suggest education may be a more constructive path forward.
As the bill moves to its second reading, the controversy underscores the delicate balance between policy-making, cultural sensitivity, and individual rights.
