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A proposed bill to ban marriages between first cousins will be introduced in the UK Parliament today. If passed, this legislation will make marriages between first cousins—such as those between maternal or paternal cousins and even uncle-aunt marriages—illegal in the UK.
Currently, the Marriage Act of 1949 prohibits marriages between siblings, fathers and daughters, or mothers and sons. Additionally, the Sexual Offences Act of 2003 criminalizes certain sexual activities between family members. However, the existing laws do not address the issue of first cousin marriages, which have become a point of debate in recent years.
The bill, proposed by Member of Parliament Richard Bolden, aims to address health concerns associated with cousin marriages. Bolden has emphasized that marriages between first cousins carry nearly double the risk of birth defects. He has argued that while such unions are culturally significant in some communities, the genetic risks posed by cousin marriages cannot be ignored.
Medical experts have consistently pointed out the dangers of cousin marriages, with studies showing a significant increase in the risk of genetic disorders. These can lead to a variety of health complications such as higher infant mortality rates, infertility, preterm births, thalassemia, epilepsy, deafness, speech impairments, and mental health issues like bipolar disorder.
Supporters of the bill believe that by prohibiting cousin marriages, the UK can reduce the prevalence of these genetic disorders and promote better health outcomes for future generations. Opponents, however, argue that cultural practices and personal freedoms should be respected and that education about the potential risks might be a more balanced approach.
The introduction of this bill comes as part of a broader conversation about the intersection of cultural practices and public health, and it remains to be seen whether it will gain enough support in Parliament for it to pass into law.
