Teenage bride who married her first cousin on Big Fat Gypsy Weddings causes outrage – with viewers saying union designed to ‘keep wealth’ in the family ‘should be illegal’

A teenager who married her first cousin on Channel 4’s Big Fat Gypsy Wedding caused outrage among viewers, who said the union should be ‘illegal’. 

Chantelle Kealy, then 18, from Rathkeale, Ireland, married her first cousin Jim on an episode of the series, and invited the whole town to watch their union.

But despite the bride’s enthusiasm for the big day, many social media users were left horrified with one writing: ‘Marrying your first cousin really needs to be made a criminal offence. I feel really sorry for their children.’ 

The episode from 2012 has become pertinent again in the minds of many after a furore broke out last week when MP Iqbal Mohamed spoke out in defence of weddings between first cousins. 

Tory MP Richard Holden is hoping to bring forward legislation that would ban such unions, which are currently legal in the UK. He pointed to evidence showing it heightens the risk of birth defects and claimed it can ‘reinforce negative structures’.

Reflecting on Chantelle’s wedding, dressmaker Thelma Madine, claimed at the time that the ‘Rathkeale travellers’ are ‘all family and I think that’s how they keep the wealth in Rathkeale because they just don’t let it go out’. 

Big Fat Gypsy Weddings was a TV sensation with ratings almost as eye-popping as the bridal gowns worn on the Channel 4 series, which ended in 2014.

But many of those watching this particular special day at home were left shocked at the bride and groom being related, with one person writing online: ‘Marrying your first cousin should definitely be illegal.’

Another wrote: ‘Wow England, wake up. This is bad. Fourth cousin is okay, but not first! I thought England and Ireland are better at genetics.’ A third added: ‘So their parents are siblings. Jeez!’

For his big day, the groom went all out by adding 73 best men to his wedding party, while the bride had at least seven bridesmaids. 

Chantelle wore a dress designed by traveller favourite Thelma, which was adorned with no less than 20,000 crystals.

Traditionally, travelling families spend ten months on the road before returning home each December for wedding season.

The winter months can see as many as ten ceremonies each week take place between those in the community. 

For Chantelle and Jim, the bride’s family were able to secure the engagement by paying his family a dowry, which can range between €50k- €120k.

The couple celebrated their nuptials with a huge party which the whole town was invited to, with the groom saying his number of best men was ‘average.’  

At the reception, the couple were joined by guests on the dance floor before they celebrated by cutting into a bespoke Barbie cake. 

Speaking at the reception, Chantelle said: ‘I want to thank my mother and father for giving me this big day, my sisters and all the people enjoying this wedding.’  

It comes after former Conservative minister Richard Holden proposed this week a Bill to outlaw the practice of cousins marrying one another entirely.

Saying now was a ‘sensible time’ to look at the issue, Mr Holden said: ‘People already think it is illegal and then are surprised when you mention it isn’t.’

He pointed to evidence showing it heightens the risk of birth defects and claimed that it can ‘reinforce negative structures and control women’.

Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed, representing Dewsbury and Batley, drew huge flak yesterday after speaking against the motion.

He suggested that MPs should avoid ‘stigmatising’ the issue, which is seen as ‘very positive’ in some communities.

Instead of banning it outright, he said a ‘more positive approach’ involving advanced genetic tests for prospective married cousins would be more effective in addressing issues around it.

Mr Mohamed, who is part of the Independent Alliance of MPs – including ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, faced criticism from senior Tories for defending the practice. 

Tory justice spokesman Robert Jenrick said: ‘It’s shocking that an MP would defend this revolting practice which is linked to birth defects and abusive relationships. We know this is causing immense harm. This practice has no place in the UK.’

Labour refused to back moves to ban first-cousin marriages.

Worldwide, one in 10 people are thought to be a result of a consanguineous (where they share an ancestor) union. Estimates on consanguineous marriage prevalence around the world vary.

Studies have put Pakistan as having one of the highest rates globally at 65 per cent of unions.

This is followed by India (55 per cent), Saudi Arabia (50 per cent), Afghanistan (40 per cent), Iran (30 per cent) and Egypt and Turkey (20 per cent each).

Data suggests the risk of a child of first cousins developing a genetic condition is up to 6 per cent, double that of children from unrelated parents.

While this means the majority of children born in such circumstances will be healthy, the increased risk is undeniable.

As well as birth defects, potential conditions children of first cousins are at increased risk of include developmental delays and ongoing genetic disorders.

These can include conditions such as blindness, low IQ, cleft palate, heart problems, cystic fibrosis, and even an increased risk of infant death.

Mr Holden asked for his Bill to be considered at a second reading on January 17 next year.

But it faces a battle to become law due to the amount of parliamentary time available to such private members’ bills to clear the necessary stages. Its progress could be accelerated if it attracts Government support. 

Existing legislation states the prohibited degrees of relationship for marriage include those to a sibling, parent or child, but not marriages between first cousins.

Professor Rebecca Probert, of Exeter University, explained: ‘Marriage to a first cousin has been legal in England and Wales since the Reformation – largely due to legislation passed to confer validity on Henry VIII’s changing matrimonial choices.’ 

Downing Street indicated the Government had no plans to ban marriages between first cousins despite the health risks.

A No 10 spokesman said: ‘I think the expert advice on the risks of first-cousin marriage are clear. But in terms of legislation, the Government has set out its priorities.’

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: ‘The Government will consider existing marriage law before publicly setting out a position.’ 

Meanwhile, Big Fat Gypsy Wedding revealed the eye-­popping, extravagant nuptials that appear to be the norm today among young ­traveller couples. 

It proved an unlikely hit for Channel 4, pulling in the channel’s highest ratings since the glory days of Big Brother back in 2008. 

However when the series came to an end in 2014, the traveller community complained that Big Fat Gypsy Weddings gave an inaccurate portrayal of their lives. 

Following an open letter to the broadcaster posted online by 17-year-old Pip McKenzie, many claimed they had been bullied and attacked as a result.

Mr McKenzie said he was attacked, while his 12-year-old cousin was beaten up by girls calling her a prostitute.

He said: ‘Your documentary, Big Fat Gypsy Weddings, is unfortunately a work of fiction. I am sick of casual racism towards Gypsies and Travellers being tolerated.’

He added: ‘It surprised me to discover that 99 per cent of Britain’s gypsy and traveller population are Irish.

‘Correct me if I’m wrong, as I am sure you have done lots and lots of research on this topic, but just 10 per cent of the gypsy and traveller population are actually Irish travellers.

‘The majority, like myself, are in fact Romany, yet your ‘documentary’ seems to ignore our existence.

‘While I have nothing but respect for the Irish traveller community, you seem to be unaware that we are two distinct ethnic groups and thus there are many differences between our cultures.

‘While Irish travellers originate from Ireland, we can trace our routes back to India, so it was hardly surprising that I was somewhat confused when you use the word gypsy in the title of your ‘documentary’ about Irish travellers.’ 

‘I was even more confused when your ‘documentary’ about Irish travellers seemed to feature an alien culture that even most Irish travellers didn’t recognise.’

Mr McKenzie added: ‘We suffer from discrimination on a daily basis and our human rights have historically been violated, yet you deem it acceptable to broadcast a misleading ‘documentary’ that has been made not to raise awareness of our plight but for entertainment.

‘We are not a joke, we are human beings and your work of fiction is only strengthening stereotypes and ignorance.’