2024-10-09 09:09:00
Currently in Sweden it is illegal for a parent to marry their child, or for someone to marry their brother or sister (in some cases marriage between half-siblings is permitted, if the couple has asked for a dispensation).
However, marriages between cousins or between an aunt or uncle and their biological niece, for example, are still permitted.
Why does the government want to change this situation?
She argues that cousin marriages are often arranged marriages decided by other family members and therefore constitute honor-based oppression.
“Too many people see their lives, fundamental freedoms and rights limited due to oppressive standards of honor, and part of that is cousin marriage.”
The government and the Sweden Democrats agree on this issue, which is included in the parties’ coalition document, the Tidö Agreement.
Announcement
How many people in Sweden are married to their cousins?
According to the head of the investigation Anne Kuttenkeuler, counselor and vice-president of the Svea Court of Appeal, the Migration Agency indicated that cousin marriages occur in regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in countries such as Egypt , Afghanistan and Syria .
Kuttenkeuler said the number of cousin marriages in Sweden is unclear, but he estimates it is around 140-150 people.
The proposal would also ban other marriages between close relatives, as well as remove the current rule allowing half-siblings to marry.
Even foreign marriages between cousins celebrated abroad would no longer be recognized, while marriages that took place in Sweden before the entry into force of the proposed law (1 July 2026) would remain legally valid.
Norway passed a law on cousin marriage last summer, although such bans are unusual within the EU.
Are there any potential problems with the proposal?
The investigation indicated that the ban could lead to families or other groups continuing to arrange marriages, even though they are not legally recognized in Sweden, although Kuttenkeuler still believes a ban could make a difference.
“Even if informal marriages were to occur, a ban is a clear signal that society does not agree with this type of limit on freedom, and this could give young women the strength to say no,” she said.
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