In Sweden, it is prohibited to marry one's daughter or son, or with a full sibling. Half-siblings, on the other hand, can obtain a dispensation. However, there are no obstacles for cousins to marry each other.
The government's inquiry now proposes that a ban on cousin marriages be introduced in the Marriage Code.
The background is that honor-related violence and oppression are a major social problem. Far too many have their living space and fundamental freedoms restricted due to oppressive honor norms. Part of it concerns cousin marriages, says Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M) at a press conference.
The governing parties and the Sweden Democrats have driven the issue individually, and it is also established in the Tidö Agreement.
Other Close Relatives
The Migration Agency has pointed out that cousin marriages occur in regions and countries such as the Middle East, North Africa, Egypt, Afghanistan, and Syria, according to investigator Anne Kuttenkeuler, Court of Appeal judge and Vice President of the Svea Court of Appeal.
The material gathered suggests that cousin marriages are often arranged and that the decision on marriage primarily lies with a family or clan and not really an individual choice, she says.
How common cousin marriages are in Sweden is unclear, but Kuttenkeuler mentions around 140-150 people.
These are not reliable figures. The contacts we have had with organizations that offer support and help women subjected to honor oppression suggest that it is quite common.
Should Not Be Recognized
At the same time, it is proposed that marriages between other close relatives are also prohibited - for example, between an uncle and his niece.
Today's possibility of marriage between half-siblings is also proposed to be removed.
Foreign cousin marriages should not be recognized in Sweden, proposes the inquiry. However, cousin marriages entered into in Sweden before July 1, 2026, when the proposals are proposed to come into force, will remain valid.
In Norway, a ban on cousin marriages was adopted last summer, but in the rest of the EU, such bans are unusual.
The risk with a ban is that families, clans, or other collectives arrange their own marriages, according to the inquiry.
Even if informal marriages were to occur, a ban is a clear signal that society takes a stand against this type of unfreedom, and it can strengthen young women to dare to say no, says Kuttenkeuler.
