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Irish Wedding News

01/10/2014

Forced Marriage Law Comes Into Effect

New legislation regarding the issue of forced marriage has come into effect in Scotland.

This means that it is now a criminal offence to force someone into marriage in Scotland. The new offence, which will sit alongside protections already in place in the country, was supported in the Scottish Parliament earlier this year.

The courts are already able to implement Forced Marriage Protection Orders, which offer protection to both men and women affected by forced marriage.

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Fairy Tales The Wedding & Events Specialists

That law made it a criminal offence to breach an order, with penalties of a fine, up to two years in prison or both.

Cabinet Secretary for Equalities Shona Robison explained: "Scotland has a strong record of tackling all forms of violence against women, including forced marriage. Today's enactment of this criminal law is a welcome step in protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

"Criminalising forced marriage gives an additional layer of protection for those affected by this issue and the new offence demonstrates that we are committed to meeting our international obligations and ensures consistency of protection across Scotland and the rest of the UK."

She continued: "Not only does this move send a strong message of support to victims but it also demonstrates Scotland's unequivocal opposition to forced marriage to countries where this is prevalent and where there is a lack of a domestic legal infrastructure to protect people."

(JP/CD)

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"New legislation regarding the issue of forced marriage has come into effect in Scotland."