UK Parliament to debate proposed ban on first cousin marriages
World
Experts warn that cousin marriages globally are linked to genetic disorders caused by gene mutations
LONDON (Haseeb Arslan) – The UK Parliament is all set to debate a bill proposing a ban on first-cousin marriages.
If passed, the legislation will prohibit marriages between first cousins including children of paternal and maternal uncles and aunts.
Richard Bolden, the MP behind the bill, stated that first-cousin marriages significantly increased the risk of genetic disorders and contributed to social issues in the UK.
Experts warn that cousin marriages globally are linked to genetic disorders caused by gene mutations.
Read also: 'Cousin marriage' doubles gene risk for babies
These unions lead to conditions such as thalassaemia, epilepsy, hearing and speech impairments, infertility, preterm delivery, and bipolar disorder, among others.
