An MP has stepped into the fray over a proposal to ban first cousin marriages in the UK, urging for advanced genetic screening rather than outright prohibition.
Marriage in the Crosshairs
Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed spoke out in the Commons, arguing that the suggested ban would be neither effective nor enforceable. Instead, he called for a more “positive approach” to tackle health concerns associated with such unions.
“Freedom of women must always be protected,” Mohamed said, “but empowering the state to police who can marry whom isn’t the answer.”
Health Awareness, Not Hysteria
Mohamed suggested borrowing a page from the Persian Gulf, where genetic screening for prospective couples is a widespread practice. “We should be focusing on health education and awareness, not stigmatising people for their cultural practices,” he added.
He noted that first cousin marriages are common in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, where they’re seen as strengthening family bonds and creating financial security.
A Cultural Balancing Act
Highlighting the complexity of the issue, Mohamed said, “This isn’t about forcing anyone into anything. If we want to make meaningful changes, we need to educate communities and provide tools like genetic testing rather than ostracising them.”
The Opposition’s Case
Conservative MP Richard Holden, pushing for the ban through the 10-minute rule bill process, argued that certain communities have “extremely high rates of first cousin marriage,” leading to health risks and reinforcing patriarchal structures.
Holden emphasised that such marriages, prevalent among groups like Irish Travellers and the British Pakistani community, contribute to higher rates of birth defects and often exert undue control over women.
A Bill Likely to Stall
Despite the heated debate, Downing Street has indicated no immediate plans to change the law. A Number 10 spokesperson said, “The government’s priorities lie elsewhere.”
For now, the debate rages on: should the UK outlaw cousin marriages, or is a more nuanced, health-focused approach the way forward? Only time—and Parliament—will tell.
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