Ban on under-18 marrying will ‘crack down on abuse’
CHILDREN under the age of 18 will be banned from marrying from today even if it is a non-legally binding “traditional” ceremony.
Sixteen and 17-year-olds will no longer be allowed to marry or enter a civil partnership, even if they have parental consent under the marriage and civil partnership Act that comes into force today.
The new rule makes it illegal and a criminal offence to exploit vulnerable children by arranging for them to marry, under any circumstances whether or not force is used.
Those found guilty of arranging child marriages face sentences of up to seven years in prison
The legislation will also cover “traditional” ceremonies that would still be viewed as marriages by the parties and their families.
Dominic Raab, the Justice Secretary, said: “This law will better protect vulnerable young people, by cracking down on forced marriage in our society. Those who act to manipulate children into marrying under-age will now rightly face the full force of the law.”
The change was introduced through a private member’s bill by Tory MP Pauline Latham who said it was a landmark moment for campaigners.
“Child marriage destroys lives and through this legislation we will protect millions of boys and girls over the coming years from this scourge,” she said.
Campaigners say child marriage is often associated with domestic abuse towards girls, leaving education early, limited career opportunities, and serious physical and mental health problems. The change honours the Government’s commitment to the pledge made to the United Nations to end child marriage by 2030.
Sarah Dines, the minister responsible for safeguarding, said: “Forced marriage is an abuse of human rights which denies vulnerable children the freedom to learn, grow and thrive.
“Like all other forms of abuse, I’m committed to stamping out this exploitative practice.
“In addition to this welcome new legislation, we are also continuing to provide training and guidance to equip the police, social workers and other frontline professionals to support and safeguard victims.”
Previously forced marriage was only an offence if the person used a type of coercion; for example, threats to cause someone to marry.
Natasha Rattu, director of Karma Nirvana (a member of the Girls Not Brides Coalition), said: “The change to legislation on child marriage is a huge victory for survivors. It is a leap forward to tackling this usually hidden abuse and will provide a greater degree of protection to those at risk.”