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Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill
10 December 2024
Type
Ten Minute Rule Bill
At a Glance
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.
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