The Swedish parliament has unanimously passed a new law banning marriage between close relatives.
According to Medianews.az, starting from July 1, 2026, marriages between cousins and other close relatives will be prohibited under the law.
The law extends the ban to include biological and step siblings, as well as kinship relationships resulting from adoption.
According to the new regulations, Sweden will also not recognize such marriages contracted abroad.
It is noted that cousin marriages have been permitted in Sweden since the 17th century, but they have rarely occurred.
According to figures, there are approximately 140-150 families in the country formed from such marriages.
The authorities mainly explain this step by a possible increase due to migration from certain regions and state that it will prevent forced marriages.