Online Debate: Ban Cousin Marriage

By the 20th Century the proportion of marriages between cousins had declined to about 1%. But it remains a relatively common practice among some South Asian minorities. In three inner-city Bradford wards, almost half (46%) of mothers from the Pakistani community were married to a first or second cousin, according to the most recent Born in Bradford data published two years ago. Now there are calls to ban it on health grounds. Should we?

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The debate over banning cousin marriage in the UK raises complex questions. Should the practice be prohibited to reduce the risk of genetic disorders and protect vulnerable individuals from coercion within close family networks?
Or would such a ban unjustly infringe on personal freedoms, cultural traditions, and religious practices?

Some argue that targeted education and access to genetic counselling offer a fairer, more effective alternative.

Others see legal restrictions as necessary for public health and individual rights. Is regulation the answer, or does it risk discrimination? These are not easy questions — let’s explore them together in open, respectful debate.

This is an Online Club debate to be held on Zoom.
During the first half of the meeting, there will be an improvised mini-debate session, where anyone may get called to defend or oppose a motion in 2 minutes (voluntarily, of course).

During the main debate, 3 debaters will propose the motion, 3 debaters will oppose it, and YOU may give your opinion during Floor Contributions.