While the stated motive is combatting ‘honor-related’ oppression of women, marriages between close relatives are also twice as likely to produce children with genetic disorders.
An investigation commissioned by the Swedish government recommends banning cousin marriages and also proposes making marriages between close relatives—such as an uncle and his brother’s child, or half-siblings—illegal.
The investigation points out that cousin marriages are linked to honor-based norms, and that there is a specific risk of girls and women facing ‘honor-related oppression’ in these marriages. It also highlights that cousin marriages today happen to a considerable extent in Sweden.
