Tory MPs Push for Ban on First Cousin Marriage in UK Amid Genetic and Social Concerns

LONDON — A growing number of Conservative MPs in the United Kingdom are calling for a legal ban on marriages between first cousins, citing mounting health, social, and human rights concerns. Although such unions have been legal in Britain since the 16th century, a private member’s bill introduced in Parliament is now challenging that tradition.

The bill, led by Conservative MP Richard Holden, seeks to add first cousins to the list of prohibited relationships under the UK’s Marriage Act. Holden argues that cousin marriages pose increased risks of congenital disorders, reinforce patriarchal clan structures, and hinder societal integration, especially in communities where such unions are common.

“Britain had cousin marriage bans before the time of Henry VIII,” Holden told Parliament. “It’s not a religious issue. It’s about the rights of women, public health, and ensuring young people have the freedom to choose whom they marry.”

Supporters of the bill have pointed to evidence from a 2013 study in Bradford, where cousin marriages among British Pakistani families were found to double the risk of birth defects and learning disabilities in children. According to the study, children born to first cousins were more likely to require intensive medical care and experience developmental delays.

The proposed legislation has sparked sharp debate, particularly among civil rights advocates and MPs representing ethnic minority communities. Labour MP Iqbal Mohamed criticized the bill as “unworkable” and potentially harmful.

“This kind of proposal stigmatizes communities, risks alienating vulnerable people, and won’t solve the core issues. Education and genetic counseling are far more effective,” Mohamed said during a Commons debate.

Critics also warn that a legal ban could push the practice underground, preventing families from seeking health screenings or government support. Some have accused proponents of using the bill to mask broader concerns about immigration and cultural assimilation.

Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones said the government is reviewing all recommendations from the Law Commission regarding marriage reform, but clarified that there are no immediate plans to formally back Holden’s bill.

Meanwhile, bioethicists and public health experts remain divided. Some advocate for public awareness and free genetic counseling, rather than legislative restrictions, as a more ethical approach. Others argue that a ban would help protect children and empower women in communities where cousin marriages are often arranged or coerced.

The bill has yet to pass a second reading in Parliament and remains a backbench proposal. However, the debate has reignited broader conversations about multiculturalism, women’s rights, and the balance between tradition and public health in modern Britain.