Sweden bans marriages between cousins, close relatives in fresh law

Sweden’s parliament has unanimously approved a law banning marriage between cousins and several other close relatives, with the new rules set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

The legislation introduces an unconditional prohibition on cousin marriages and stipulates that Sweden will generally no longer recognise such unions contracted abroad, according to Sweden Herald.

Lawmakers say the reform is aimed at strengthening protections against honour-related oppression, violence and social pressure, particularly in cases where family control and coercion affect vulnerable individuals.

Beyond banning cousin marriages, the law expands prohibited unions to include relationships where one person is directly descended from the other’s siblings, effectively blocking marriages that bridge certain generational family lines viewed as problematic by legislators.

It also prohibits marriages between half-siblings and between siblings related through adoption.

The measures are framed as safeguards for individual autonomy, intended to prevent ill-health and curb arrangements that may enable abusive or coercive family dynamics.

The decision follows broad cross-party support in parliament, reflecting growing concern that close-kin marriages can reinforce restrictive family structures and be used to exert pressure, particularly on women and young people.

Once the law comes into force, couples falling under the prohibitions will be unable to marry legally in Sweden, while existing foreign marriages of the affected categories will generally not be recognised for legal purposes.

The government says, according to BBC, that the reform forms part of wider efforts to combat honour-related violations and strengthen the rights and safety of individuals vulnerable to family-imposed coercion.