The UK has introduced laws that make it illegal to watch pornographic videos featuring adults who claim to be relatives, while first-cousin marriage remains legal, creating a contradiction that critics say needs urgent resolution.
Under the new measures, which took effect on Friday, November 6, several categories of pornography are banned, including videos of adult relatives, videos where adults pretend to be aged under 16, and choking and smothering videos. Viewing these categories now carries a two-to-three-year prison sentence.
Online Safety Act and ID checks
The changes go hand in hand with the Online Safety Act, which prevents under-18s from accessing online adult content. The Act also brings other types of content into scope, such as alcohol addiction websites, suicide and self-harm prevention forums, and violent video games.
From this point on, adults must show ID online to watch porn, play Grand Theft Auto, or get help for alcoholism. Even for adults, the banned categories are no longer legally viewable.
First-cousin marriage remains legal
Despite the crackdown on such videos, marrying a first cousin remains legal in the UK. As explained by Aldridge Brownlee Solicitors: “Under existing UK law, marriages between close family members such as siblings, parents, and children are prohibited under the Marriage Act 1949. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 also criminalises sexual relationships between these relatives. However, first-cousin marriages are currently permitted.”
This means an adult could face jail for watching a video where adults claim to be cousins, but could legally marry their first cousin.
Calls for change
Conservative MP Richard Holden is looking to change this with a new bill, but Andy Burnham and his Labour colleagues are yet to take a formal stance on banning cousin marriage. The contradiction remains unresolved, with critics arguing the government is prioritising sending porn watchers to jail while not addressing the risks of first-cousin marriage, which science links to a higher risk of birth defects and genetic disorders in children.
