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Written question asked by Luke Evans (Conservative) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. It was answered by Catherine Atkinson (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Marriage: Relatives

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to WPQ 12787 answered on 11 November 2024 on Marriage: Relatives, what recent progress he has made on considering [i] marriage law and [ii] placing restrictions on marriages between first cousins.

Answer

The Government has announced that it intends to reform weddings law when parliamentary time allows.

The reforms are intended to make weddings law fairer, simpler and more modern, whilst protecting the dignity and significance of marriage. The aim is to launch a consultation before summer recess, which begins on 16 July 2026. It will focus on how people get married, rather than who is legally permitted to marry.

As set out in the answer of 11 November 2024, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 makes sexual activity with certain family members a criminal offence, but this does not include first cousins. Placing restrictions on first cousin marriage would require changes to the Marriage Act 1949 and could potentially require changes to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

While the evidence is limited, it does suggest that there may be an increased risk of congenital birth defects to children whose parents are first cousins. We welcome evidence suggesting that the number of first cousins choosing to marry in England is declining.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
16079
Session
2026-27
Related items
Marriage: Relatives
Monday, 11 November 2024
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Law Marriage Relatives Regulation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk