Sweden implements new laws to combat honor-based oppression

Sweden has implemented several legislative changes aimed at combating honor-based oppression and religious coercion. Recent reforms include an expanded travel ban for minors at risk of being taken abroad for reasons such as female genital mutilation or other rights violations. As of December 2025, practices such as virginity testing and the failure to report forced or child marriages have been criminalized. Additionally, cousin marriages and marriages between siblings and their nieces/nephews were prohibited in July.

Further measures include increased penalties for marriage-related travel crimes and forced marriages. The government is also conducting a comprehensive mapping of honor-based oppression to gather statistical data. Support systems, such as a national helpline and school-based assistance, have been introduced, alongside educational initiatives for newcomers regarding gender equality and women's rights.

Debate continues regarding the influence of Islamism in Sweden. While some political figures have suggested that the issue is overstated, critics point to warnings from the Swedish Security Service and historical data regarding radicalization and religious control within certain environments. Concerns have been raised regarding gender-based restrictions and the influence of extremist messages in some religious settings.