MP outlines opposition to calls to ban first-cousin marriage in the UK
Iqbal Mohamed’s concerns did not stop MPs allowing a proposed law to be introduced for further consideration.
An MP has spoken against calls to ban first-cousin marriage in the UK, and suggested “advanced genetic test screening” is made available to prospective couples.
Independent Iqbal Mohamed said rather than “stigmatising” cousin marriages, a “much more positive approach” should be adopted to respond to health concerns linked to the children of those relationships.
He suggested measures could include the UK adopting similar screening efforts to those undertaken in Arab countries in the Persian Gulf.
The MP for Dewsbury and Batley also used his Commons speech to insist “freedom of women must be protected at all times”, but said he did not believe a ban on first-cousin marriages would be “effective or enforceable”.
Mr Mohamed was responding to Conservative former minister Richard Holden, who was allowed by MPs to introduce his Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill for further consideration.
Existing legislation states the prohibited degrees of relationship for marriage include those to a sibling, parent or child, but not marriages between first cousins.
Mr Mohamed told the Commons: “There are documented health risks with first-cousin marriage and I agree this is an issue that needs greater awareness on.”
