Sweden Bans Cousin Marriage
27th May 2026
Sweden’s parliament has approved a new law banning marriages between cousins and other close relatives, with the measure set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
The reform, passed by the Swedish Riksdag on Tuesday, will also mean that such marriages conducted abroad will generally no longer be recognised in Sweden.
The legislation was introduced by the government following an investigation into consanguineous marriages and their links to forced marriage, family pressure, and so-called “honour”-related violence. The initiative was backed by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats party.