Forced marriage is to become illegal in the UK, Scotland,
Ireland and Wales under Prime Minister David Cameron. The law will imprison
parents/guardians who force their children to marry against their will. As
fantastic as this news is I find it incredible that it wasn’t the case
beforehand, I can’t believe it’s took so long for this law to be emplaced.
It is estimated there are between 5,000 and 8,000 victims of
forced marriages in England. However in other countries the situation seems to
occur because of factors such as; gender inequality, poverty, and negative
traditional or religious practices. Although England is suffering and economic
crisis I find it difficult to believe that everyone’s suddenly decided marriage
will solve that dilemma. With regards to the aspect of traditional and
religious practices it is not a factor that we should attach a negative stigma
to because would we want to live in a society that limits or polices beliefs?
I can’t help but think in hindsight the Nazi regime
portrayed marriage as a solution to such things as debt and insecurity. The
regime rewarded couples getting married with money and financial security. It
is therefore fair to state that definition and connotations of marriage are
outdated. And need to be redefined.
Alongside enforcing this law we need to re-educate people
about what marriage means in a society were each sex is entitled to equal
rights and it is not an answer to money worries. What are your views? Do you
think more needs to be done?
If you want to find out more information here are some
links-
