A significant change could be on the horizon for marriage laws in the UK. A proposal to ban marriages between first cousins is set to be raised in Parliament by Conservative former minister Richard Holden. The MP for Basildon and Billericay aims to introduce this significant measure as early as Tuesday, seeking to address both health and social concerns associated with such unions.
Currently, UK law permits marriages between first cousins, something many people may find surprising. Richard Holden pointed out, "People already think it is illegal and then are surprised when you mention it isn’t.” This lack of awareness highlights the need for a review of existing marriage laws, which prohibit relationships only with more immediate family members—like siblings, parents, or children.
Holden’s arguments against cousin marriages are compelling. He noted studies indicating these unions are linked to approximately double the rate of birth defects compared to the general population. Beyond health concerns, he argues they also reinforce negative societal structures and can lead to increased control over women within certain cultural contexts. “Marriage and relationships should be about individual choice in modern Britain, it shouldn’t be about anything else,” he insists.
The MP plans to introduce the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill to the House of Commons, which aims to extend the list of prohibited marriages to include first cousins. The legislative process for private member’s bills involves initial speeches from supporters and opponents, followed by a vote to determine whether the bill moves forward. If the proposal gains traction, it will undergo more extensive scrutiny and debate.
Responding to inquiries about the proposed ban, Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones acknowledged the importance of the issue and indicated the government would take the time to “properly” review marriage laws. She emphasized the government's commitment to thoroughly considering this matter before publicly stating any position. Changes would potentially require modifications to the Marriage Act of 1949 and the Sexual Offences Act of 2003.
These legal frameworks currently do not classify marriages between first cousins as prohibited relationships. Holden, recognizing the discussions around this topic happening globally, expresses hope for the UK government to follow suit. “Many nations and states have taken action on this issue in recent years and it is time for us to do the same,” he stated.
Holden's previous parliamentary efforts focused on similar public health issues, such as advocating against practices like hymenoplasty and virginity testing, linking personal freedoms and societal progress. He believes addressing cousin marriages aligns with broader societal values of equity and individual choice.
The debate surrounding cousin marriages isn’t new; it raises complex questions about tradition versus modern values, health risks, and individual freedoms. While many cultures around the world embrace cousin marriages, critics argue for the need for reconsideration based on recent studies and prevailing norms about marriage and family.
Whether the proposal will enact change remains uncertain, as private member’s bills often face hurdles due to limited parliamentary time. Nonetheless, if Holden’s bill receives governmental support, its chances of becoming law could improve significantly.
For those unaware of the laws surrounding cousin marriages, this upcoming discussion could be both enlightening and contentious. With societal attitudes toward marriage continually shifting, the dialogue around what constitutes acceptable relationships is more relevant than ever. Only time will tell if the proposal will succeed, leading to changes to long-standing marriage traditions within the UK.