Sweden Passes Law Banning Marriages Between Close Relatives

The Swedish Parliament has approved new legislation banning marriages between close relatives, with the law set to take effect on July 1.

According to the Swedish government, the measure is intended to combat issues such as violence against women, honor-based oppression, forced marriages, and the risk of genetic disorders among children.

Under the new law, marriages between close relatives, including uncles and nieces or aunts and nephews, will be prohibited. The legislation also makes it illegal for individuals to marry a direct descendant of their sibling.

Authorities have stated that any marriage conducted in violation of the ban will not be legally recognized in Sweden. The law will also apply to marriages performed outside the country.

As a result, individuals who enter into prohibited marriages abroad and later seek Swedish citizenship, residency, or spouse visas may face rejection of their applications.

The Swedish government clarified that the legislation will apply only to future marriages and will not affect marriages that have already been legally recognized.

Sweden follows Norway in introducing such restrictions, while similar measures are currently under discussion in the United Kingdom. The legislation, passed recently by parliament, has drawn significant international attention.