UK: Forced marriage law 'a huge step forward'

[Anthea]

BBC News UK

Forced marriage law 'a huge step forward'

Campaigners have welcomed a law coming into effect in England and Wales making it a criminal offence to force people into marriage as "a huge step forward".

Since 2008, courts have been able to issue civil orders to prevent victims being forced into marriage.

However, the new law makes forced marriage a criminal offence for the first time - punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Ministers say it will protect thousands of potential victims each year.

It will apply to people forced into marriage in England and Wales, as well as UK nationals who are at risk of being forced into marriage abroad.

Last year, the government's Forced Marriage Unit dealt with 1,302 cases. (those that were known)

Some 82% of victims were female and 18% male while 15% were under the age of 15.

The cases involved 74 different countries with 43% relating to Pakistan, 11% to India and 10% to Bangladesh.

'Psychological pressure'

Home Secretary Theresa May said the practice was "a tragedy for each and every victim".

She said the criminalisation - under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 - was "a further move by the government to ensure victims are protected by the law and that they have the confidence, safety and the freedom to choose".

Under the new law, breaching a forced marriage protection order - which can be issued by civil courts to prevent people being married against their will - has also been criminalised.

It now carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Mak Chishty, from the Association of Chief Police Officers, said the new law would make the police's job easier.

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