German brother and sister/couple want incest law removed.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6424937.stm

I saw something similar on TV, and I don't see the harm in it.

I concur. And genetic problems are only an issue if they plan to have children (and frankly, with just a single generation, it's unlikely to be a serious problem anyway).

Even if their kids don't have genetic problems, they will have to deal with a horrible social stigma.


Otherwise, they're simply two people reveling in each other's pervasive trauma disorder.

Although I don't have a problem with it socially my only problem is the kids. Their two kids both have disabilities most likely due to genetic issues. I think it's unfair to the children.

I did know someone that married his adopted sister in Tennessee. It was legal and no genetic issues there. However it was in the Tri-Cities area and the social stigma was unbearable and they ended up moving to Atlanta and got a fresh start there.

-Scott

I read that there are biological factors that normally prevent siblings from wanting to mate.

I strongly oppose.

ADDENDUM: The reasons are stated by others in the topic.

True True....

Parents should want the best for their kids...
(in the same way as making sure you don't smoke/take drugs when pregnant as it harms the unborn child)

Unless they adopt children, they risk:

(First-generation inbred individuals are more likely to show physical and health defects, including):

reduced fertility both in litter size and sperm viability
increased genetic disorders
fluctuating facial asymmetry
lower birth rate
higher infant mortality
slower growth rate
smaller adult size
loss of immune system function

Wikipedia - Inbreeding

More information...

I would worry also that people will at some point in the future use this as an precedent for marrying (biologically related) family members. I'm not saying this is what this particular brother and sister are doing. Clearly that is not the case. But unfortunately, political groups with unrelated causes will sometimes take advantage of exceptions to create attempt new rules.

Here's my take on it, for what it's worth.

I can't really pick a side. My gut feeling/human reaction is no, but there are several logical reasons why they should be allowed.

On one hand: They are both consenting adults, and it should be their choice. They did not grow up together, so while they're related biologically, they do not have the typical sibling mindset. If they don't plan on having kids, it will only harm themselves - and then only socially.

On the other hand: If they want to have children, there may be defects. Furthermore, even if the children don't have defects, they'll be shunned by society as the inbred kids. Also, as some others have pointed out, their case will probably used as a point in any other couple who wants to do the same thing. Also, the after-their-mother-died thing seems odd to me. It's not like they loved each other before and just didn't want to tell her. They fell in love after she died. I don't know, it just doesn't seem right to me.

Oh dear! Their children might even be aspies!