Denmark’s Proposed Ban on Cousin Marriage Draws Rights Concerns

Denmark’s Proposed Ban on Cousin Marriage Draws Rights Concerns
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The Danish government has faced growing criticism following the announcement of a draft bill that would prohibit marriages between close relatives, including first cousins, as part of efforts to counter what it describes as “negative social control.” The proposed legislation would apply to both civil and religious marriages.

Human rights groups and representatives of Muslim communities in Denmark have voiced concerns, arguing that the proposal interferes with personal freedoms and targets cultural and family traditions practiced by some minority groups. Critics warn that the ban could restrict individual choice within families and undermine Denmark’s commitment to cultural and religious diversity.

Migration and Integration Minister Rasmus Stoklund said the government’s aim is to protect individual rights, particularly those of women, from social pressure within families. However, opponents argue that the government has not presented clear evidence showing that such marriages pose broader harm to Danish society.

Religious and community leaders have also criticized the proposal for failing to reflect Denmark’s multicultural reality. The debate comes amid wider discussions in Europe, including in Sweden, where similar measures have been proposed, raising concern among communities with longstanding traditions of cousin marriage.