Plans to introduce false marriage offence put on ice

Plans to introduce a specific offence of forcing someone into marriage were put on hold today, amid fears it would further isolate victims.
 
The government said it would increase training, improve information-sharing and ensure existing legislation is fully implemented before introducing any new laws.
 
Consultation on the proposals revealed that the majority of respondents felt the disadvantages of creating new legislation outweighed the advantages.
 
It was argued that making forced marriage a specific crime could prevent reconciliation and force the practice further underground, although the consultation found no clear majority either in favour or against a new law.
 
Home Office minister Baroness Scotland QC said: “Before we consider the possibility of specific legislation, we need to be convinced that it would definitely benefit the victims of forced marriage.”
 
Summary of responses to Forced Marriage: A Wrong not a Right from www.fco.gov.uk