CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF FORCING TO MARRY

Early day motion 341, tabled 29 November 2006 by Ann Cryer (Labour). Signed by 78 members.

That this House acknowledges the ever-growing and inhumane practice of forced marriage, as opposed to arranged marriage; recognises its devastating impact on the lives of many young women and some young men; further recognises that although several criminal offences are committed in forcing a person to marry, including abduction, kidnap, false imprisonment, rape and assault, no charges have thus far been brought against perpetrators and there have been no convictions; believes that Article 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights is breached on a daily basis with impunity; concludes that the time has come for a specific criminal offence of forcing a person to marry or conspiring with others to do so; and believes that this would deter those contemplating the procurement of this unIslamic and inhuman act.

Signatures by party: Labour 52, Liberal Democrat 17, Conservative 8, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.