PROTECTION AGAINST FORCED MARRIAGE

September 30, 2010


Sturgeon brings forward Bill to tackle forced marriage in Scotland


Steps are being taken to protect victims of Forced Marriage in Scotland.


Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today unveiled plans to help people needing support to escape being forced into marriage against their will.


For the first time in the UK, it will be a criminal offence to breach new laws protecting people from Forced Marriage, leading to a two year prison sentence, a fine, or both.


Scottish courts will have the power to issue Forced Marriage Protection Orders, for example, to ensure people are taken to a place of safety or help those in danger of being taken abroad for marriage.


Courts will tailor sanctions and support to the person's particular circumstances and existing powers to annul a forced marriage will be reformed to make the process easier.


People at risk themselves or anyone worried about someone's welfare, including local authorities, can apply for a Protection Order.


Visiting Shakti Women's Aid in Edinburgh today, Ms Sturgeon said:


"Forced marriage has no place in 21st century Scotland.


"We know people who refuse are often subjected to threats, assault, captivity or worse at the hands of their own family.


"This important Bill will help confine this abusive behaviour to the history books, providing flexible legal support to allow victims to take control and get their lives back on track.


"And Scotland is leading the way in ensuring that anyone who flouts a Protection Order - and anyone aiding or abetting them - will feel the full force of the law."


Elaine McLaughlin from Hemat Gryffe Womens Aid in Glasgow said:


"Forced marriage can manifest itself in parental pressure and abuse, extended family and abuse, societal pressure and abuse, so called honour violence, emotional blackmail and ultimately the loss of life.


"The Scottish Government is to be commended for confronting a unique, anxious and difficult cultural situation which affects many young scots. With this Bill, young Scots will be protected."


Louise Johnson, National Worker for Legal Issues from Scottish Women's Aid said:


"Forced marriage is a form of domestic abuse, an abuse of trust and a denial of basic rights and freedoms.


"Scottish Women's Aid welcomes the Scottish Government's commitment to addressing this wrong by their introduction of the Forced Marriage Bill.


"A specific, robust, legal remedy, combined with awareness-raising and appropriate training for all relevant agencies involved in supporting partners forced into marriage, will go far towards offering protection and help to those women still at risk.


Assistant Chief Constable Iain Livingstone, the ACPOS lead for Public Protection, said:


"I welcome the Scottish Government's decision to take this step to protect vulnerable people. Every effort should be made to protect individuals from forced marriage.


"It cannot be the task of any one person or agency and I would urge all individuals and organisations to take appropriate action at the earliest possible to identify and confront forced marriage."


Cllr Harry McGuigan, COSLA, said:


"Forced marriages are wrong in every respect and we welcome the move being made by the Scottish Government to ensure that Scottish Legislation fully reflects this principle.


"We will work with the Scottish Government as the draft bill progresses to ensure that we have legislation which is fit for purpose and meaningful at a local level."


Background


For a copy of the Forced Marriage Bill please visit the Scottish Parliament website.