The Republic of Ireland will introduce new legislation that illegalizes forced marriage. The Department of Justice of Ireland announced that that intentional conduct of luring a child or an adult to submit to forced marriage is an indictable offense.
The new law against forced marriage will be enacted by the end of2017, as reported by Irish Times. The government is enforcing this law to reduce gender-based, domestic, and sexual violence in the nation.
The government of Ireland passed many proposals last year which includes the abolition of exemptions for underage marriages. Marilyn Stowe reported that Ireland's current law allows a minor or people under 18 years old to marry someone through Court Exemption Order. For the couple to have legal permission to marry, the two of them should demonstrate that their union is in their best interests. Ireland is trying to eliminate these kind laws and is hoping to reduce the census of forced marriages. According to Human Rights in Ireland, 7 of the sample set of 26 women interviewed who had forced marriage experienced forms of violence.
These proposed new law would fight against 'pernicious evil' in Irish society, said the Minister of Justice Frances Fitzgerald. She added that Ireland's government response to these sexual and domestic violence had continued to improve. The Minister expressed his confidence saying that the government is heading in the right direction.
In 2014, forced marriage was illegalized in Wales and England, this is part of their Anti-Social Behavior, Crime and Policing Act. Anyone who coerces another individual into a marriage against their liberty and can face up to seven-year incarceration if found guilty.
Meanwhile, Ireland's National Women's Council of Ireland was glad of the newly passed legislation. The director of the organization, Orla O' Connor said that the government of Ireland's move in protecting its people against violence is encouraging to everyone.
