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25/11/2008
Forced Marriage Laws Introduced In NI
The first laws to prevent forced marriages have been introduced in Northern Ireland.
Protection will stretch to those who have already been made to marry across England, Wales, and now, in the Province.
Those convicted of 'forcing' a marriage can now be jailed for up to two years.
Complainants, including friends and the police, can apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order.
When this order is enforced, family members are forbidden from taking victims abroad to marry, holding passports or orchestrating campaigns of intimidation.
Family members are also required to reveal the whereabouts of a victim under the order.
Breaching an order could result in a two-year jail term.
This is the first piece of statute designed to combat the issue of forced marriages.
Protection was previously provided under current legislation, such as the Children's Act and immigration measures.
"This new law is a powerful tool that will help ensure that no-one is forced into marriage against their will and those already in such marriages will receive protection," said Justice Minister Bridget Prentice.
The Home Office's Alan Campbell said the ministry would do all it could to support victims of forced marriage, and work with a variety of agencies to ensure preventative measures are in place.
Shaminder Ubhi, Director of the Ashiana Network, welcomed the new laws.
Her organisation supports women in South Asian, Turkish and Iranian women experiencing domestic violence.
"Understandably, not all people will want to seek legal redress, but certainly this act sends a clear message that forced marriage will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be held accountable," said Ms Ubhi.
(PR)
Protection will stretch to those who have already been made to marry across England, Wales, and now, in the Province.
Those convicted of 'forcing' a marriage can now be jailed for up to two years.
Complainants, including friends and the police, can apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order.
When this order is enforced, family members are forbidden from taking victims abroad to marry, holding passports or orchestrating campaigns of intimidation.
Family members are also required to reveal the whereabouts of a victim under the order.
Breaching an order could result in a two-year jail term.
This is the first piece of statute designed to combat the issue of forced marriages.
Protection was previously provided under current legislation, such as the Children's Act and immigration measures.
"This new law is a powerful tool that will help ensure that no-one is forced into marriage against their will and those already in such marriages will receive protection," said Justice Minister Bridget Prentice.
The Home Office's Alan Campbell said the ministry would do all it could to support victims of forced marriage, and work with a variety of agencies to ensure preventative measures are in place.
Shaminder Ubhi, Director of the Ashiana Network, welcomed the new laws.
Her organisation supports women in South Asian, Turkish and Iranian women experiencing domestic violence.
"Understandably, not all people will want to seek legal redress, but certainly this act sends a clear message that forced marriage will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be held accountable," said Ms Ubhi.
(PR)
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