World · 1 July 2026
Sweden's ban on cousin marriage comes into force
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The ban is aimed less at genetics than at forced and honour-based marriages, closing what lawmakers saw as a loophole. Sweden's parliament voted unanimously to ban marriages between first cousins and other close relatives, effective from Wednesday. Foreign cousin marriages will generally not be recognised, though existing ones stand, and officials estimate about 150 people are affected.
Reported by The Local · How we write briefs