Sweden's parliament has unanimously passed a law banning marriages between close relatives.
According to the Sweden Herald, from July 1, 2026, marriages between first cousins and other close relatives will be prohibited.
The ban applies to biological and half-siblings, as well as relationships formed through adoption.
Sweden will also not recognize such marriages contracted abroad.
Cousin marriages have been allowed in Sweden since the 17th century, but were rare. Currently, there are about 140-150 families from such unions in the country.
The government cites preventing forced marriages amid increased migration from certain regions as the reason for the move.
