Christianity is the bedrock of Western civilization—its influence is undeniable and profound. Millions of lives, countless advancements, and the very foundation of our legal and educational systems owe their existence to the guiding principles of Christianity. The contributions from Christian nations and leaders over centuries have propelled the West to unparalleled greatness.

Yet, there exists one pivotal decision from the Church that single-handedly altered the trajectory of European society: the Catholic Church’s ban on first-cousin marriages in the sixth century. This monumental step set Europe on a rapid path of progress, allowing it to forge ahead of the rest of the world.

The Church’s authority was the critical force behind this cultural shift. While other religions were endorsing all manner of incestuous unions, the Catholic Church stood as a bulwark against such practices, leading to dramatic social change. The data is irrefutable: for every 500 years a nation operated under the influence of the Western Church, cousin marriages plummeted by a staggering 90%. This ban laid the groundwork for the flourishing nuclear family structure, which became the cornerstone of stable societies.

What were the implications of banning cousin marriage? Quite simply, healthier societies emerged. Inbreeding has detrimental effects—it lowers IQs, leads to deformities, and increases medical issues. Consider this: marrying a first cousin more than doubles the risk of severe genetic abnormalities, and studies show a striking correlation between cousin marriages and birth defects. The detrimental impacts are glaringly evident in regions where inbreeding is a cultural norm, such as South Asia.

Moreover, there’s a stark contrast between societies where cousin marriages are common and those that condemn them. The latter are marked by individualism, trust, and cooperation, whereas the former revert to insularity and stagnation. Just look at dysfunctional states characterized by high rates of genetic disorders—these are often where inbreeding is prevalent.

Until recently, this was conventional wisdom, yet we find ourselves in an era where the obvious is being obscured. Several Western nations are witnessing a dangerous trend: promoting cousin marriages under the guise of cultural sensitivity and public health. For instance, the UK’s National Health Service has shocked many by endorsing cousin marriage, seemingly oblivious to the inherent risks.

The arguments made to justify this endorsement are woefully misguided. The NHS claims that since cousin marriage has historical precedent, it should be acceptable today. But history offers no moral or scientific justification for endorsing practices that present significant health risks. Doubling the chances of genetic disorders is not a trivial matter, and the reasoning behind the NHS’s guidance reflects a troubling commitment to political correctness over public health.

Stateside, we face a similar threat. States like California and Massachusetts still allow first-cousin marriages, with debates swirling about their legality. Public sentiment overwhelmingly opposes these practices, yet political pressures could easily shift if current trends continue. Our nation, if not vigilant, risks regressing to primitive practices as we import cultures that normalize inbreeding.

The time for decisive action is now. We must advocate for a federal ban on cousin marriages across the United States to protect future generations from the horrific genetic consequences that can arise from these unions. Upholding the sanctity of family structures and safeguarding our children’s health should be a priority. This is not just an 80-20 issue; it’s a 99-to-1 concern. It’s imperative that we stand firm and send a clear signal that the United States values the foundations of civilization that have propelled us forward, not backward.

The preservation of Western values and the integrity of our society depend on it. Let’s ensure that America remains a beacon of progress and health for generations to come.