The Swedish government has submitted a proposal to parliament that would ban marriages between cousins and other close relatives, according to a government press release issued on March 12, 2026. The proposal aims to combat honor-related oppression and other pressures in marriage arrangements. Under the proposed legislation, such marriages contracted abroad would generally not be recognized in Sweden.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer stated that honor-related violence and oppression have no place in Swedish society and that the ban is an important measure to ensure every person's right to decide over their own life. Equality Minister Nina Larsson added that cousin marriages are often part of honor structures that limit the freedom of girls and women, and that a ban is a crucial step in pushing back honor-related oppression. The government has delivered the proposal to the Riksdag for consideration.
honor-related violence and oppression have no place in Swedish society and that the ban is an important measure to ensure every person's right to decide over their own life
cousin marriages are often part of honor structures that limit the freedom of girls and women, and that a ban is a crucial step in pushing back honor-related oppression