Richard Holden, a Conservative former minister in the United Kingdom, called for a ban on first-cousin marriage in the country, citing concerns over increased risks of birth defects among children of such unions.
Holden introduced his proposals in Parliament on Tuesday, emphasizing that prohibiting the practice would serve to protect public health.
Under current legislation, marriages to a sibling, parent or child are prohibited but not between first cousins.
Holden said that while the overall prevalence of first-cousin marriage was low in Western countries, certain diaspora communities, such as Irish travelers and British Pakistanis, had “extremely high rates” of 20%-40%.
The MP for Basildon and Billericay cited research suggesting the child of first cousins carries around double the risk of inheriting a serious disorder compared to the child or unrelated people.
Holden also argued that the practice threatened women’s freedom.
“Women and girls living under a clan mentality often know the scientific risks of first-cousin marriage, but make considered social and cultural calculations,” he told MPs.
“Strict honor codes, where expressions of individuality can be subject to social isolation, violence and even death in some cases, dominate thinking.”
He also said first-cousin marriage was “not conducive to modern British society”.
