Currently, the legal marriage age has been increased to 18 years.
The change in the law means that 16 and 17 year olds can no longer marry or enter into civil partnerships in England or Wales. Even with parental consent.
1
It targets those who exploit vulnerable children by arranging them for child marriage. and shall be used under any circumstances, whether or not force is used.
Anyone found guilty faces seven years in prison.
Natasha Rattu of charity Karma Nirvana, part of the Girls Not Brides Coalition, said: “Changing the law on child marriage is a huge win for survivors.
“This is a huge leap forward in tackling this often covert harassment. and will offer higher levels of protection to those at risk.
“Last year, the National Honor Abuse Helpline supported 64 cases of child marriage, which is just a small picture. of a much bigger problem
We hope the new law will increase identification and reporting. This provides more protection for at-risk children.”
The government’s compulsory marriage agency advised or supported 118 cases involving victims under the age of 18 in 2021.
