DOWRY BURNINGS IN THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

Early day motion 1288, tabled 22 March 2016 by Patricia Gibson (Scottish National Party). Signed by 51 members.

That this House condemns what it believes is the murderous, misogynistic and barbaric practice of dowry burnings in the Indian subcontinent; understands that these incidents, which are also known as bride burnings, have multiplied tenfold over the last two decades; recognises that they happen when a wife is murdered by her husband or his family because of her family's refusal to pay an additional dowry; further understands that the woman is usually doused with kerosene, petrol or another flammable liquid and set alight; believes that, although this horrific practice and the dowry system itself are illegal in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, the laws are never seriously enforced, with only around one in 800 cases leading to conviction; is shocked at reports that these burnings account for the deaths of more than 8,000 women each year, equivalent to one woman every hour, with thousands of others maimed; further believes that because of families' fear of scandal destroying their other daughters' chances of marriage, the scope of the problem is likely to be wider than the figures suggest; and urges India, Pakistan and Bangladesh to deal seriously and urgently with these appalling and sickening crimes.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 36, Labour 6, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, DUP 2, Conservative 1, Independent 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1.