Cecily Zamora
In England, it is legal to marry your first cousin. This is true for the rest of the United Kingdom as well, except for Scotland, which has slightly different legislation. While marrying one's cousin is legal in England, it is still stigmatized and controversial. Many people assume that it is illegal, perhaps due to the belief that it is wrong or because it is prohibited in other countries, such as China, North Korea, and South Korea. There are also health concerns associated with cousin marriages, as the risk of birth defects is higher for children of first cousins compared to unrelated parents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is it legal to marry your first cousin in England? | Yes |
| Is it legal to have sex with your first cousin in England? | Yes |
| Is there a higher risk of genetic disorders in children of first-cousin marriages? | 4-6% risk of autosomal recessive genetic disorders compared to 3% in the general population |
| Is there a stigma attached to first-cousin marriages in England? | Yes |
| Are there countries where first-cousin marriage is prohibited? | Yes, e.g., China, North Korea, South Korea, the Philippines, some jurisdictions in India, some countries in the Balkans, and 30 out of 50 US states |
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What You'll Learn
- First-cousin marriage is legal in England and Wales
- It is also legal in England to have sex with your first cousin
- The prevalence of first-cousin marriage in Western countries has declined since the 19th century
- In some jurisdictions, cousin marriage is prohibited, e.g. China, North Korea, South Korea
- There is a lot of stigma attached to first-cousin marriage in the UK
First-cousin marriage is legal in England and Wales
In the UK, it is not permitted to marry certain close relatives, including grandparents, parents, siblings, children, uncles, and aunts. However, first cousins are not included in this list of prohibited relationships. While there is a stigma attached to cousin marriages, and some concerns about potential genetic issues, it is not illegal for cousins to marry in England and Wales.
Historically, the prevalence of first-cousin marriage has varied across different cultures and time periods. In the Middle East and South Asia, cousin marriage is still strongly favoured, while in Western countries, the practice has declined since the 19th and 20th centuries. In some jurisdictions, such as certain U.S. states and countries in Asia, cousin marriage is legally prohibited.
It is worth noting that while first-cousin marriage is legal in England and Wales, there may be other considerations, such as cultural or familial expectations, and potential health risks associated with genetic disorders in any offspring. However, as far as the law is concerned, there is no prohibition on cousins marrying in England and Wales.
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It is also legal in England to have sex with your first cousin
In England, it is legal to marry your first cousin. The Marriage Act 1949 (for marriages) and the Civil Partnerships Act 2003 (for civil partnerships) do not prohibit first-cousin relationships. While it is a common belief that marrying one's cousin is illegal, this is not the case. However, it is important to note that there are cultural taboos and stigma surrounding cousin marriages, and some people consider it to be a morally questionable practice.
Despite the legality, there are concerns about the potential genetic consequences of first-cousin marriages. Medical professionals advise against having children with one's first cousin due to the increased risk of genetic disorders and birth defects. Studies have shown that the risk of autosomal recessive genetic disorders in children of first cousins is between 4% and 6%, compared to 2% in the general population. This has led to debates and discussions about the potential need for genetic counselling or even legal restrictions on cousin marriages.
In other parts of the world, such as China, North Korea, South Korea, the Philippines, some jurisdictions in India, the Balkans, and 30 out of 50 states in the US, cousin marriage is legally prohibited. The prevalence of cousin marriages has declined in Western countries since the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while it is still strongly favoured in the Middle East and South Asia.
In England, it is not only legal to marry one's first cousin but also to have sex with them. Section 64 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 specifies the degrees of kinship that make consensual sexual contact unlawful between adults, and first cousins are not included in this list. Therefore, consensual sexual relations between first cousins are permitted by law.
While the law allows sexual relations and marriage between first cousins in England, it is worth noting that social and cultural attitudes may vary. Some individuals may still hold negative perceptions or moral objections to such relationships. Additionally, the potential genetic risks associated with reproduction within close genetic relationships remain a valid concern.
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The prevalence of first-cousin marriage in Western countries has declined since the 19th century
In the UK, it is legal for first cousins to marry. However, there is a lot of stigma attached to it, and some people assume it is illegal. Former immigration minister Phil Woolas raised first-cousin marriages in Asian communities in parliament in 2008, stating that they "produce a lot of genetic problems in terms of disability".
The prevalence of first-cousin marriage in Western countries has indeed declined since the 19th century. In the English upper and upper-middle classes, the prevalence of first-cousin marriage remained steady at between 4% and 5% for much of the 19th century. However, after the First World War, cousin marriage became very unusual. By the 1930s, only one in 6,000 marriages was between first cousins. A study of a middle-class London population conducted in the 1960s found that this had further reduced to just one in 25,000.
In Sweden, marriage between first cousins has been legal since at least 1686. Until 1844, first cousins needed royal consent to marry. In September 2023, the Swedish government initiated an inquiry into banning marriage between first cousins. In 2024, the government proposed a bill to parliament to ban such marriages and end the recognition of foreign marriages between first cousins.
In Brazil, the rate of cousin marriage was 1.1% in 2001, down from 4.8% in 1957. In São Paulo, the rate of cousin marriage in the mid-19th century was 16%, but a century later, it was 1.9%.
While the overall prevalence of consanguineous marriage seems to be declining, in some countries, the present-day rates of consanguinity exceed those of the preceding generation. This may be due to greater overall survival to adulthood, which increases the numbers of marriageable biological relatives.
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In some jurisdictions, cousin marriage is prohibited, e.g. China, North Korea, South Korea
In England, it is legal to marry one's first cousin. However, this practice is prohibited in several other jurisdictions, including China, North Korea, and South Korea.
In China, first-cousin marriage is illegal, and couples who violate this law may face consequences. This prohibition is in place due to cultural and societal norms that view such marriages as unacceptable. It is important to respect the local laws and cultural sensitivities when considering marriage in China.
North Korea also prohibits cousin marriages, and this ban is strictly enforced. The North Korean government has established this law based on its own set of cultural and societal values, which differ significantly from those in other parts of the world. Marrying one's cousin in North Korea can lead to legal repercussions and social ostracization.
South Korea similarly prohibits cousin marriages, taking a strong stance against the practice. The South Korean government has implemented this ban to align with the country's cultural norms and beliefs. While it may be challenging for some individuals, it is crucial to abide by this law to avoid legal consequences and respect the societal expectations in South Korea.
These countries have each established their own legal framework regarding cousin marriages, reflecting their unique cultural, historical, and societal contexts. While England allows first-cousin marriages, recognizing the freedom of consenting adults to make this choice, other countries have taken a different approach, emphasizing the potential genetic risks and societal implications associated with such unions. It is essential to be aware of these variations in laws and cultural perspectives when discussing marriage across different jurisdictions.
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There is a lot of stigma attached to first-cousin marriage in the UK
In the UK, it is legal for first cousins to marry. However, there is a significant stigma attached to such marriages. While there are no laws prohibiting first-cousin marriages in England and Wales, it is illegal in some jurisdictions, such as China, North Korea, South Korea, the Philippines, and some states in the US.
Historically, the prevalence of first-cousin marriage has declined in Western countries since the 19th and 20th centuries, and it is often considered taboo due to genetic concerns and cultural values. The genetic pool between first cousins is smaller, leading to a higher risk of birth defects and genetic disorders in their children. This has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that the risk of birth defects is only slightly higher than in the general population and that banning such marriages would be a mistake.
In the UK, the stigma surrounding first-cousin marriage has been particularly prominent in discussions about arranged marriages in Asian communities. In 2008, former immigration minister Phil Woolas raised concerns about first-cousin marriages in Asian communities, stating that they result in genetic problems and disabilities. However, it is important to note that cousin marriage has been a traditional practice in the Middle East and South Asia, serving to preserve cultural values, family wealth, and geographic proximity.
While there are no legal prohibitions against first-cousin marriage in the UK, the stigma associated with it persists due to a combination of cultural, social, and genetic factors. It is seen as unusual and potentially detrimental to the health of any children born within the marriage. This stigma is not unique to the UK, as evidenced by the varying legal statuses of first-cousin marriage worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is legal to marry your first cousin in England. Prohibited degrees of kinship are outlined in the Marriage Act 1949 and the Civil Partnerships Act 2003, and neither prohibits marriage between cousins.
Many people assume it is illegal because they think it is wrong, and things that are wrong are often illegal. Additionally, it is prohibited in many other countries, such as China, North Korea, South Korea, and the Philippines.
First cousins who want to marry in England must be over 16 years old. Additionally, it is legal to have sex with your first cousin in England, but other close relatives are specified in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 as being unlawful for sexual contact.
Yes, the risk of birth defects rises from roughly 2% in the general population to 4% for first cousins.
