Sweden just ended a tradition that had existed for centuries.
On May 26, 2026, Sweden’s parliament voted unanimously to ban marriages between first cousins and other close relatives. Starting July 1, 2026, cousin marriages, uncle-niece unions, and even marriages between half-siblings will no longer be legal — including those performed abroad.
The government says the move is aimed at stopping honor-based pressure and forced family marriages, especially involving young women.
For generations, cousin marriage was legal in Sweden — and once common across Europe’s royal bloodlines. In just weeks, that chapter officially closes.
Norway already passed a similar law. Denmark could be next.