SNP reject call to ban first-cousin marriage

THE Scottish Government has been condemned for refusing to ban first-cousin marriage, despite experts warning of health risks.

- BY DAVID WALKER

Research has revealed there is an increased risk of genetic defects in babies born out of these relationships, with Whitehall now considering curbs.

While the overall prevalence is low in Western countries, certain diaspora communities, such as Irish travellers and British Pakistanis, have “extremely high rates” of 20 to 40%.

There is a members bill going through Westminster calling on this to become illegal. But there are no such plans in Scotland, despite ministers admitting the risks involved.

Current laws in Scotland ban marriage and sexual activity between siblings, parents, and children under the Incest and Related Offences (Scotland) Act 1986.

It would likely need to be updated if the ban was put in place, but it might anger some ethnic minority communities living north of the Border.