Lib Dems welcome government adoption of Lib Dem measure on forced marriage.
Speaking in a second reading debate on the Forced Marriage Bill, which had been brought to the Commons from the House of Lords, Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities Jo Swinson said:
“I am delighted to give Liberal Democrat support to the Bill. My noble Friend Lord Lester of Herne Hill, who is a great champion of such issues, introduced the measure in the other place. It is to the government’s credit that they adopted it, and I want to place on record my thanks and appreciation to them for that and for, with Conservative support, providing parliamentary time to ensure that it reaches the statute book. It is a good example of consensual, cross-party working to tackle an appalling problem.”
Outlining the current situation, Ms Swinson said:
“There is currently no offence of forced marriage and that must be remedied. As we have heard, the forced marriage unit processes about 300 cases a year and has made great progress in tackling the problem. However, that is not enough to get to grips with the matter. Those 300 cases may be the tip of the iceberg - many go unreported. We therefore hope that, with publicity and education awareness of the legislation, more individuals will be encouraged to come forward.”
“Although much discussion and debate has taken place, the civil route is the right approach. Although the Bill does not create a criminal offence, we must recognise that it provides for powers of arrest, so effective action can be taken if a forced marriage protection order is broken.”
Ms Swinson highlighted that support for the Bill comes from a wide range of organisations.
On the difference between forced and arranged marriages, Ms Swinson explained that forced marriage “is an abuse of human rights and can never be acceptable”, arranged marriages, by contrast, a “union between two consenting adults”. In this context she also pointed out that it is important to draw the distinction due to the “continued negative portrayal of British Asian communities, particularly Muslims, in the British media”. She added that it must not be forgotten that victims can come from all racial and religious groups, from all ages and from all parts of the country.
On the applicability of the Bill, Ms Swinson urged the Secretary of state to discuss the issue with her counterpart in the Scottish Executive, since the legislation would only apply to England, Wales and Northern Ireland so far.
Concluding her speech, Ms Swinson said:
“In conclusion, the Bill is long overdue. It is urgently needed to tackle a horrific problem. As well as sending out a clear signal about the unacceptability of forced marriages, the Bill will give those at risk of becoming victims access to tools to prevent them from happening, rather than waiting for the crime to be committed, because at that stage the control that is wielded over many victims’ lives makes access to justice all but impossible. It is excellent that the government have adopted the Bill and it is wonderful that the Conservatives support it. The Liberal Democrats will also give it our wholehearted support.”
Lib Dem MP Lorely Burt also expressed her delight that the government had adopted the legislation and thanked Lord Lester for all his initiative and hard work on the Bill. Commenting on possible consequences of the Bill Ms Burt said:
“Fears have been expressed that the Bill will drive such activities even further underground, with families taking children abroad at an even earlier age. There are also fears that the Bill will stigmatise some ethnic minority communities and lead to entrenchment and further discrimination. However, the emphasis is on the protection of the victim and avoidance of forced marriage rather than prosecuting perpetrators, which is right. As I have said, an injunction will enable swift action to be taken to stop a forced marriage, which will enhance the chance of reconciliation with the family.”
