New Criminal Offence: Arranging Child Marriages Now Punishable by Up to 7 Years in Prison

The new criminal offence of causing a child to marry, with a sentence of up to 7 years in prison, has come into force today as part of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022. This law aims to protect vulnerable young people from forced marriages, including those conducted in non-legally binding ceremonies.

Under the new legislation, it is now illegal to arrange for a child under the age of 18 to marry, regardless of whether force is used. This change is a significant step towards ending the harmful practice of child marriage, which can have lasting negative effects on the lives of young individuals.

Those found guilty of arranging child marriages could face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. The government’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls is evident in this new law, which aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.

Campaigners and advocates have welcomed the implementation of this legislation, which has been a long time coming. The Girls Not Brides Coalition, along with other organizations, have worked tirelessly to ban child marriage in the country and protect millions of boys and girls from this harmful practice.

Forced marriage is a form of abuse that denies children their rights and freedoms, leading to a range of negative consequences such as limited education and career opportunities, as well as physical and mental health issues. The new law reflects the government’s pledge to the United Nations to end child marriage by 2030.

The legislation also expands the definition of forced marriage to include non-legally binding ceremonies, ensuring that all forms of child marriage are prohibited. This change will provide greater protection to children at risk and help increase identification and reporting of cases.

Overall, the implementation of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 marks a significant milestone in the fight against forced child marriages and demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable young people.