Sweden bans marriages between close relatives under new legislation

The Parliament of Sweden has unanimously approved a law banning marriages between close relatives, including first cousins.

According to Sweden Herald, the new legislation also prohibits marriages between nieces and uncles or aunts, as well as between half- and step-siblings. The restrictions further extend to cases of kinship established through adoption.

The law will take effect on July 1, 2026. From that date, Sweden will no longer recognise marriages between first cousins, even if they were legally concluded abroad.