London, May 17 (ANI): Forced marriage should be made a criminal offence to show that it will not be tolerated in society, Britain's ministers have said.
The Commons Home Affairs Select Committee said that thousands of young people in the UK are affected each year and it was "not at all clear" whether current legislation is effective in protecting individuals from forced marriage and family repercussions.
The committee said there isn't enough support available to victims and the situation is "set to worsen" due to spending cuts, The Scotsman reports.
Almost 300 forced marriage orders were issued between November 2008 and February 2011, but British lawmakers have said there is a lack of effective follow-up action.
Committee chairman Keith Vaz said the best way to deter people from forcing individuals into marriage is through criminalizing forced marriage.
The lawmakers believe it would send out a very clear and positive message to communities within the UK and internationally if it becomes a criminal act to force, or to participate in forcing an individual to enter into marriage against their will. (ANI)
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