Richard Holden warns first cousin marriages increase birth defect risks

In the UK, Conservative former minister Richard Holden is pushing for a legislative change that would prohibit marriages between first cousins. This proposal comes as part of a new initiative he plans to present to Parliament, known as the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill. He argues that first cousin marriages have been linked to an increased risk of birth defects and can also perpetuate harmful cultural practices that control women. Current UK law, which allows such marriages, is seen by Holden as outdated, as many people mistakenly believe these unions are already prohibited. Holden's arguments are supported by studies suggesting a significant rise in birth defects among children born to first cousins, pointing to a rate that is approximately double compared to the general population. He highlights the fact that these marriages may often arise from cultural practices rather than religious imperatives, especially in communities where such unions are prevalent. By addressing this issue now, Holden suggests that the UK could follow the lead of countries like Norway, which recently banned marriages between close relatives, including first cousins. The response from the government has been cautious, with Justice minister Alex Davies-Jones stating the need for a thorough evaluation of existing marriage laws. Current legislation, specifically the Marriage Act of 1949, does not recognize first cousin marriages as prohibited, which leaves the door open for further consideration and potential legislative changes. This matter, however, is sensitive and may require extensive public discourse and examination of cultural implications before reaching a conclusion. As leaders in various nations have begun to evaluate the implications of cousin marriages, Holden is capitalizing on this momentum, suggesting it is an opportune time for the UK to re-examine its stance on family relationships in marriage. By underscoring the health risks and reinforcing negative social structures, he aims to facilitate a shift toward modern relationships based on individual choice rather than cultural tradition. Therefore, the forthcoming Parliamentary discussion could significantly influence the future of marriage laws in the United Kingdom.