House of Commons · Ten Minute Rule Bill
Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill
10 December 2024
Proposed by Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill aims to amend laws regarding prohibited relationships by introducing a ban on first-cousin marriage.
- Richard Holden moves to introduce the Bill in the House of Commons on 2024-12-10.
- The statement highlights health risks associated with first-cousin marriage as a rationale for the proposed ban.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill, which aims to amend the current law regarding prohibited relationships. Richard Holden moves to introduce a Bill to prohibit first-cousin marriage. The statement discusses the health risks associated with first-cousin marriage and opposes a ban on such marriages.
Action requested
Richard Holden is proposing a Ten Minute Rule Bill that would introduce changes to marriage laws concerning prohibited degrees of relationship. The bill seeks legislative approval and subsequent implementation if passed.
Key facts
- Richard Holden (Conservative) is presenting the statement in the UK Parliament.
- The proposed legislation is a Ten Minute Rule Bill under Standing Order No. 23.
- First-cousin marriage is practised by about 10% of the world, with rates exceeding 80% in parts of rural Pakistan.
- In British Pakistani communities, the rate of first-cousin marriage is 20% to 40%, increasing from their grandparents' generation.
- The child of first cousins carries approximately double the risk of inheriting serious disorders compared to unrelated parents.
- Estimated 35% to 50% of sub-Saharan African populations prefer or accept cousin marriage.
- Cousin marriage is common in the Middle East and South Asia.
- Arab countries in the Persian Gulf facilitate advanced genetic test screening for prospective married couples.