30.09.2010
A Scottish Parliament Committee is calling for views on a Bill to protect people from being forced into marriage without their free and full consent.
The Forced Marriage (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Bill is designed to protect people who may be or have been forced into a marriage by enabling civil courts to make a “forced marriage protection order”.
Breach of this new type of order would be a criminal offence under the legislation.
It will also seek to give civil courts wide discretion regarding the terms of these orders, enabling the courts to respond flexibly and effectively to the individual circumstances.
The Equal Opportunities Committee wants to hear the views of those with an interest in these issues on the principles of the bill.
Committee Convener Margaret Mitchell MSP said “This is an extremely important Bill which aims to protect and empower vulnerable people against serious abuse which involves violence, threats of violence and other forms of improper coercion. The committee is keen to hear views on whether the legislation will meet this aim.”
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