THE HAGUE, 10/10/03 - The Christian democrats (CDA) want an investigation carried out into marriages between cousins in immigrant communities. The party also wishes Justice Minister Piet Hein Donner and Health State Secretary Clemence Ross to say whether they are prepared to consider a ban on such marriages.

CDA MP Mirjam Sterk pointed out yesterday that until the early 1970s, marriages within the family were prohibited in the Netherlands. The rule was abolished, as such marriages almost never took place. The arrival of immigrants has changed this.

According to Belgian research, the majority of young Turks and Moroccans marry partners from their parents' countries, with a family member being chosen in many cases. Handicapped children are born more often from these family marriages, and the infant mortality rate is much higher than for babies whose parents are not related.

In the Netherlands, only marriages between parents and children, and between siblings, are banned. In view of the political sensitivity of the subject, Sterk did not yet venture to make a full appeal for a ban on marriages between cousins yesterday, but pressed for a "discussion". Other subjects could also be included, she pointed out, such as the emancipation of Islamic women.

Integration specialist Beerenhout did appeal unequivocally this week for a ban on marriages between cousins. He also suggested making a genetic risk test compulsory for family members who wish to marry if a ban did not prove feasible. Sterk also asked the Justice Minister and Health State Secretary for a reaction to Beerenhout's statements.