Doha Debates will hit close to home, questioning marriages between cousins

Tomorrow night, the The Doha Debates brings this month’s discussion home with the topic “This House believes marriage between close family members should be discouraged,” a practice not uncommon in Qatar and the rest of the Gulf.

In released remarks, Tim Sebastian, chairman and presenter of The Doha Debates, says he expects the deliberation – with geneticists on either side – to be lively and controversial:

“This is a highly sensitive debate. It covers genetics, culture, tradition and a wide variety of family issues. In the context of an Arab world that is, to some extent, redefining itself, I’m sure it will be a thought-provoking discussion.”

While probably too late to get tickets for Monday night, you can always register to attend future debates on their website. And tune in to @thedohadebates on Twitter for live updates from the debate.

Here’s what some of the people they’ve asked had to say:

What are your thoughts on the issue?