The Parliament of Sweden on Tuesday, 26 May, approved a new law banning marriages between relatives up to the fourth degree. The law also includes marriages between the children of uncles and aunts including cousins from both the maternal and paternal sides.
According to a statement issued by the Swedish Parliament, the law will come into effect on 1 July 2026. Swedish authorities said the purpose of the law is to combat honor-based violence, family pressure, forced marriages, and so-called honor culture structures.
The text of the law states that the sons and daughters of paternal and maternal uncles and aunts will no longer be allowed to marry each other. Other individuals with close family relationships are also included in the ban.
Sweden’s new law also prohibits marriages between step-siblings and children who become related through adoption.
Under the law, these restrictions are not limited to marriages conducted within Sweden; they also apply to marriages performed outside the country’s territory.
Previously, some people who entered into family marriages abroad were able to return to Sweden without issue, and their marriages were recognized. However, the new law clearly states that family marriages registered in other countries will no longer be recognized in Sweden.
The law will also affect immigrants who intend to marry close relatives from their countries of origin, as such marriages will no longer be permitted.
According to published statistics, 30 countries around the world and 12 countries in Europe have so far banned marriages between relatives up to the fourth degree. Many of these countries have stated that, in addition to combating honor culture, health and genetic concerns were among the main reasons for introducing such laws.
Experts say that repeated family marriages over several generations can negatively affect the physical health and mental abilities of future generations and, in some cases, increase the risk of children being born with congenital disorders.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
