The proposal: Ban cousin marriage

Published 9 October 2024 at 18.50

Domestic. Government investigators propose that a ban on cousin marriage be introduced into the Marriage Code, with the aim of countering honor-related oppression and forced marriage. The ban would include both marriages between cousins ​​and between a sibling and a sibling's child.

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– Too many people in Sweden today get their living space and their freedoms constrained by oppressive standards of honor. We must have legislation that provides effective protection against honor-related violence and oppression, says Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M).

The investigation, which was appointed in September 2023, has examined how cousin marriage can be linked to honor standards and identified a particular risk of girls and women being exposed to pressure and oppression in connection with these marriages. It is noted that cousin marriages occur in Sweden to a not insignificant extent and that there are reasons to introduce a ban to strengthen the protection against honor-related unfreedom.

One of the central parts of the proposal is that even foreign cousin marriages should not recognized in Sweden. The investigation suggests that the ban on recognition should be general, with exceptions only in cases where “special reasons” exist.

– The issue of banning cousin marriage is an important piece of the puzzle in the work to ensure everyone's right to form their own life. I welcome the inquiry and look forward to sending out the proposals for referral, says Strömmer.

The inquiry's proposals are part of the ongoing political agreement between the government and the Sweden Democrats, where the need for stricter legislation against honor-related violence has been emphasized and oppression.

If the proposals go through, the proposed changes to the law will come into effect on July 1, 2026.