1st cousin marriage

[Wiseplumnet]

AIBU to ask your opinion on 1st cousin marriage?.I have read that the government is looking to ban it. I know it is more prevelent ( but declining) in the UK among people of Asian origin. I am not coming from a judgemental or racist angle. I am just interested to know how mum'snetters of all ethnicities feel about marriage between 1st cousin's. I know it used to be more common in the west at one time, apart from keeping money/property in families, people travelled less widely, so there was less choice of marriage partners.I worked with a girl ( White British) who was in a secret relationship with her 1st cousin and they are very reluctant to tell their family, so there seems to be a cultural taboo in 1st cousins being romantically involved.Genetic factors resulting in disabilities (statistically twice as many as in unrelated parents) is sometimes given as a reason for banning cousin marriage, however we have genetic screening now, and disabilities aren't always serious.As so many babies died in infancy before we had vaccines, better health care etc , it was probably difficult to differentiate whether the close relationship between parents was the cause of any disabilities their children . Speaking for myself,I can't imagine wanting to marry any of the cousins I was brought up with as they seem more like brothers to me, but I could understand why someone may be attracted to a 1st cousin who they first met as adults. Or does it give you the instant 'Yuk' ? Also is banning 1st cousin marriage the same as banning 1st cousin sexual relationships and children, or would that become illegal? Maybe there's no need for a legal ban as the tradition will just die out over time

100% ban. It's on the rise as immigration increases from Asia. I work with kids and you can tell which ones are inbred, which is horrible to say. I genuinely feel sorry for them. It brings genetic defects which often results in needs/disabilities, which not only increases the burden on the NHS and DLA (our taxes covering more issues), but is also bringing more and more people into society who cant contribute. The human race will be like zombies in the future, and then eventually killed off by global warming

So by this reasoning all inter-family marriages should be allowed. You could marry your dad or have a civil partnership with your mum.

No, ban first cousin marriage. It might be hard to implement but lots of laws are hard to implement. It should be banned because a higher proportion of the offspring are disabled and require very high levels of care.

The opposition to cousin marriage on here is almost universal

Yes I get you . But to begin with there is no more risk of the couples having a child with a genetic disorder. Because neither of them are related . If one couple has a child with a genetic disorder it’s far more likely the other couple will as well? It’s not inherently wrong for each individual couple in this scenario to get together and take the risk . Or am I wrong ?

2nd cousins are related through their great grandparents and 3rd cousins are related through their great great grandparents.

Having a keen interest in genealogy I am aware of who all my 16 great great grandparents are - they were born at various dates between 1828 and 1869.

I would suggest that 2nd and 3rd cousins are not an issue generally speaking.

However, to be fair, the results of repeated intermarriage like this over many generations within certain communities can be picked up through DNA testing even today.

For example this shows up in DNA testing among French Canadians, Acadians (now Cajuns) and Ashkanazi Jews to this day.

Of course it should be banned. It creates so many health issues, all needing to be funded by the taxpayer. Not fair on the kids either, they have to suffer due to inbreeding.

Very good points.

Yes, I agree with this. My objection to first cousin marriage is not a moral objection.

The problem arises when this is a common practice in certain communities and is repeated down the generations so that the offspring are more likely to be severely disabled. Which is bad for those children and a burden on the rest of society.

As this is practiced in certain communities it creates clans which make it harder for those people to integrate. Muslims and Traveller communities practice first cousin marriage down the generations and this causes problems for them and the wider society.

Although from their point of view it makes their communities stronger and more, literally, close-knit.

I agree but in practice how woud you stop it
I know some muslim marriages are not always registered so whilst they have had the religious ceremoney not all have had the legal one .

Hahaha you’re a legend for this, @Another2Cats

I just watched this Dispatches documentary and it was heartbreaking…

It was balanced and courageous in what it tried to tackle, including speaking directly to faith leaders.

Where cousin marriage was discussed between health professionals and families on the film it seemed to be in the context of antenatal advice or a child health care, but frankly it is far too late at that point if the marriage has already taken place. Although those conversations might have some merit in discouraging future pregnancies.

I think there should be a national ongoing health campaign targeting 12-18 year olds and their parents, perhaps sitting alongside GCSE options, careers information or the meningitis vaccine booster given to teenagers. Then, once health education is widespread, working towards a full ban in a future Parliament.

A culturally-appropriate campaign promoting contraception and responsible family planning would also be a good idea.

The impacts were devastating...

Thanks for posting this, really brave programme.

How can anyone defend this? It's tragic for the children and a massive burden on the rest of society. The communities concerned need to consider the impact of this clan-based culture.