A pro-Gaza independent MP has argued against efforts to ban first-cousin marriages, claiming it “helps build family bonds”.
Dewsbury & Batley MP Iqbal Mohamed urged colleagues to vote down Tory MP Richard Holden’s proposed Bill which would ban people marrying their first cousins.
Speaking against banning the practice, Mohamed claimed first-cousin marriage is seen as “very positive” by “ordinary people” and warned prohibition would be “unenforceable”.
Mohamed, who won his West Yorkshire constituency by 6,934 votes on July 4, told MPs: “In discussing it, we should try to step into the shoes of those who are perhaps not from the same culture as ours.
Iqbal Mohamed with an inset of Tory MP Richard Holden
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“An estimated 35 per cent to 50 per cent of all subsaharan African populations either prefer or accept cousin marriages, and it’s extremely common in the Middle East and South Asia.
“The reason the practice is so common is that ordinary people see family intermarriage overall as something that is very positive, something that helps build family bonds and helps put families on a more secure financial foothold.”
Mohamed also urged MPs to respect “cultural differences” before voicing concern about virginity testing, forced marriages and the oppression of women.
He added: “There are documented health risks with first-cousin marriage and I agree this is an issue that needs greater awareness on.”
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Richard Holden discussing his proposed Bill with Iqbal Mohamed in the background
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MPs later rejected Mohamed’s calls and approved the Bill for further debate without the need for a formal vote.
Existing legislation states the prohibited degrees of relationship for marriage include those to a sibling, parent or child, but not marriages between first cousins.
Holden requested for the proposed Bill to return to the House of Commons for its second reading on January 17.
Moving the motion, the Shadow Paymaster General said: “Members across the House may wonder why first-cousin marriage is not already illegal, in fact many in this House and in the country may already believe that it is – and that is understandable.”
Richard Holden presents his 10-minute rule Bill
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Holden pointed out that a ban on first-cousin marriage was in place until 1540, adding: “King Henry VIII broke with Rome and legalised marriage between first cousins so that he could marry Catherine Howard, his fifth wife and a cousin of his second wife Anne Boleyn.”
The Basildon & Billericay MP also highlighted cultural differences on first-cousin marriages.
He said: “Certain diaspora communities have extremely high rates of first-cousin marriage, with Irish Travellers being 20 per cent to 40 per cent and higher rates still among the British Pakistani community.”
Shadow Justice Secrtary Robert Jenrick, who backs Holden’s proposed Bill, called on Labour to support efforts to outlaw first-cousin marriages.
Richard Holden presents his 10-minute rule Bill
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He told MPs: “Cousin marriage has absolutely no place in Britain. The medical evidence is overwhelming, it significantly increases the risk of birth defects, and the moral case is clear. We see hundreds of exploitative marriages which ruin lives.
“Frankly, it should have been stamped out a long time ago.
“Will the Justice Secretary commit to ending this medieval practice which is rearing its head once again in modern Britain?”
Refusing to fully commit to Jenrick’s demand, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood replied: “You will know that there has been a recent Law Commission report on marriage law more generally and the Government is going to consult on broader reform to marriage law, we will certainly consider the issues he has raised before setting out a public position.”
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