Forced marriage should be criminalised, say MPs

Summary of story from the BBC, viagra 100mg May 16, pharm 2011

Forced marriage should be made a criminal offence to show that it was not tolerated in society, British parliamentarians have said.

The Commons Home Affairs Select Committee said it was “not at all clear” that current legislation was  protecting those at risk.

Members of Parliament also expressed concern at how schools and immigration officials were not as effective as they could be in protecting victims.

The MPs said: “We believe that it would send out a very clear and positive message to communities within the UK and internationally if it becomes a criminal act to force – or to participate in forcing – an individual to enter into marriage against their will.”

They added: “The lack of a criminal sanction also sends a message, and currently that is a weaker message than we believe is needed. We urge the government to take an early opportunity to legislate on this matter.”

Forced marriage protection orders are used to protect victims. If the conditions are breached, people who force others into marriage can be sent to jail for up to two years.

Almost 300 forced marriage orders were issued in Britain between November 2008, when they were introduced, and February 2011, but MPs said there was a lack of effective follow-up action, with only one person jailed for breaching an order.

The government said it was “working hard to stop” forced marriages.