Overview

This bill aims to raise the minimum age for marriage and civil partnerships in England and Wales to 18 years old. It strengthens existing laws against forced marriage and clarifies the legality of such unions registered outside England and Wales.

Description

Marriage

The bill amends the Marriage Act 1949, increasing the minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18. It removes exceptions allowing for marriage below the age of 18.

Civil Partnerships

The bill similarly amends the Civil Partnership Act 2004, raising the minimum age for civil partnerships to 18. It removes provisions for parental consent for those under 18.

Forced Marriage

The bill amends the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, creating a new offence specifically targeting anyone who takes action to cause a child to enter a marriage before their 18th birthday, regardless of coercion. An exception is made for those aged 16 or 17 marrying in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Overseas Unions

The bill addresses the validity of civil partnerships and marriages registered outside of England and Wales, making them void if one partner was domiciled in England and Wales and under 18.

Consequential Amendments

The bill includes a schedule of minor and consequential amendments to other related legislation and grants the Secretary of State power to make further regulations to ensure consistency.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The costs will mainly relate to the implementation of the new legislation, such as updating guidance and training officials.

Groups Affected

• Children (under 18): The bill protects children from entering into marriage or civil partnerships before they reach the age of 18.
• Those involved in forced marriages: The bill provides stronger legal protection and potentially harsher penalties for perpetrators of forced marriages.
• Ministers and officials: Government departments responsible for implementing the new legislation will incur administrative costs.
• Legal professionals: Legal professionals involved in family law will need to be familiar with the changes to legislation.
• Religious organizations: Religious organizations that officiate marriages may need to adapt their practices.

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