12th December 2024
Karma Nirvana has significant concerns regarding the proposals introduced in Parliament on 10th December 2024 by Richard Holden MP to prohibit cousin marriage. This issue was brought to our attention when Richard Holden referenced Karma Nirvana in a social media post outlining his proposals. While we recognise the importance of addressing concerns related to cousin marriage, we are concerned by the lack of consultation with the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector, which has been at the forefront of tackling these very issues for years.
Richard Holden’s claim that he was building on “his” previous work related to virginity testing and hymenoplasty, as referenced in his social media post, undermines the collective efforts of survivors, charities, lawyers, the Home Office, and the Department of Health, who have tirelessly worked on these issues for decades, including through the Health and Social Care Bill and implementation of the new legislation.
While there is no question that more must be done to tackle the challenges posed by cousin marriage, this cannot be achieved by rushing through ill-considered legislation that risks further marginalising communities or creating unintended harm. What is needed is a thoughtful, survivor-led approach, grounded in understanding the complexities of the issue. This means engaging not only with survivors but also with the practitioners who work tirelessly to address the impact of first cousin marriage every day—those on the front lines who understand the profound consequences of these unions. Any legislation must prioritise the safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls.
Karma Nirvana cannot support Richard Holden’s bill. This is not because we condone cousin marriage, but because we believe the true agenda behind this bill is not to address the harms that can arise from cousin marriage but to use it as a tool for political point-scoring, inciting hate, and driving a wedge between communities. The harmful framing of this bill erects barriers for victims seeking support, constructing walls where there should be pathways. The evidence of this was starkly evident in the racist and divisive narrative that followed on X after the bill’s introduction, fuelling hateful rhetoric and providing a platform for prejudice to thrive under the guise of “protecting women’s freedom.”
Examples of divisive narratives following the bill’s introduction
At Karma Nirvana, we are committed to confronting all forms of violence and abuse, but we understand that sustainable change cannot be imposed from the outside. It must be built on collaboration, understanding and respect. Any policy or legislation aimed at addressing cousin marriage must centre the voices of those who have lived through it, and it must prioritise the safety, dignity, and rights of women and girls—free from political exploitation.
Karma Nirvana’s position is aligned with supporting a government-led, sector-wide consultation approach to this issue. We have already raised our concerns with the government in September 2024 and will continue to engage with government to address this matter, particularly in its relation to Violence Against Women and Girls.