I write as a British Muslim having enjoyed living in scenic Salisbury for the past 20 years. I have been asked about this issue and find it upsetting when people tend to wrongly conflate ‘cousin marriage’ and ‘forced marriage.’
My two brothers actually married their cousins and have been happily married for 20+ years with 5 healthy children between them. They did not marry illiterate girls from the village, both my sisters-in-law are graduates. Nor are my brothers ‘backwards’, having studied dentistry and law at UK universities.
Richard Holden suggested that the practice should be forbidden as the children of cousins are at greater risk of birth defects.
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There is an increased risk, but it needs to be put into perspective. The increased risk is 6.1% as opposed to 2.4%, so still fairly small.
If as Holden claims, it is an issue ‘to protect public health’, then drinking alcohol and smoking during pregnancy, should be banned too.
I agree with MP Iqbal Mohammad who suggested that programmes to raise awareness about the risks of cousin marriages be introduced and advanced genetic test screening be offered to those considering it.
What I love about ‘Great Britain’ is the personal autonomy we all enjoy. So, let us continue to acknowledge that we come from various communities, adding to the rich tapestry of our society, and happily coexist without infringing upon the personal right to choose a life partner.
M Ghauri
Salisbury
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