Experts say ‘science-based approaches’ are better than legislation to combat declining trend
While marriage between cousins can lead to “severe” health effects in offspring, a ban would be “damaging”, experts have warned in advance of a parliamentary debate on outlawing it.
A private member’s bill was introduced in December proposing banning cousin marriage by Basildon and Billericay MP Richard Holden, who said the practice poses “risks to health, freedom … the cohesion of our society”. The bill is due to get its second reading on Friday.
