Richard Holden stated in Parliament that first-cousin marriage should be banned in the UK due to increased birth defect risks in children, aiming to protect public health.
Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed countered that a ban would be ineffective and emphasized that issues surrounding first-cousin marriage could be better addressed through awareness and education initiatives.
Holden noted that while the occurrence of first-cousin marriage is low in Western societies, among specific diaspora communities, the rates can be as high as 20-40%.
He highlighted the implications on women's freedom, stating that women under clan pressures know the risks but still face societal and cultural challenges, including isolation or violence.
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