I'm not sure about the objectivity of WND, but I'll let it go...
Based on ...?
Anyway, it wasn't the only source. The conclusions aren't
especially radical and the genetic risks of successive generations of 'inbreeding' can speak for themselves - an issue you yourself have raised below. The figures mesh with a 1995 BMJ study, which I imagine we would
both consider sufficiently objective.
In the U.S., as in many countries, people can and do marry their cousins. (Jerry Lee Lewis is a famous (infamous?) example)
Yes, although I believe first cousin marriage remains illegal in just under 50% of US states. The US is (I believe) the only western nation with such a restruction. But first cousin marriages wasn't really my concern.
Also with parental or court consent, 12 year olds and younger, can marry in the U.S. I think until a fairly recent change in laws it was not unusual for girl in the Ozarks or Kentucky mountains to marry at 12, 13, 14 years old to get out of their families household, and usually to much, much older men. There's a pretty good documentary about the subject.
Now we're getting more to it; that child marriage can be a legally sanctioned cover for a wide range of unpleasantness, and I suggested such an instance. Not to mention the equally pertinent concern of whether a 10 year old is really emotionally capable of grasping the concept of marriage as we would. After all, a significant number of adults seem to fail that particular test. It's of even more concern if there's coercion.
One thing I can say about the Saudi marriage is at least it is unlikely anyone is getting laid or will give birth anytime soon.
So that makes it OK? I'm sure it hasn't escaped your attention that Sex is possible that young or at even younger ages, as for pregnancy - how about in 2 years when it's
entirely possible. Would giving birth a 12 or 13 be more acceptable to you? Consider that question in the context of Saudi Arabian law and custom.
Regarding the genetic issues of marrying family, isn't something similar going on with the pennsylvania dutch? Was it not a significant cause of madness, hemophilia, and sterility in European upper classes into the 20th century?
Consanguinity has been a part of many, if not most cultures. I've read that globally as many as 20% of couples are first cousins and
historically as much as 80% of all marriage has been between first cousins.
There's an approximate 1.5 - 3% increased risk of birth defects for first cousin marriages, or around the same risk as a woman over 40 giving birth. Not that major in isolation but when that is factored into reproduction in small circles such a royalty or isolated or xenophobic communities, over successive generations, it's unlikely to be positive factor.