New law planned to tackle forced marriages

The new Bill means those who fear they are being forced into marriage will be able to apply to the civil courts for a Protection Order.

Breaches of the order - which could see parents and relatives named with restrictive conditions imposed on them - would be a criminal offence carrying a maximum two-year jail term or a fine, or both.

The Bill also gives third parties, such as local authorities and help groups, the right to apply for an order on behalf of the victim if they fear they are being coerced into marriage.

It also allows for a forced marriage to be annulled.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Forced Marriage Bill provides "solid protection" to male and female victims, as she launched the legislation at Shakti Women's Aid in Edinburgh today.

Ms Sturgeon said: "It sends a signal that there is support and help for people in these circumstances."

She stressed that the Bill, which was originally proposed by Scotland's first ever Muslim MSP, the late Bashir Ahmad, is not targeting arranged marriages.

She said: "This legislation is not striking at arranged marriages which are an established part of Muslim culture where there's consent on both sides.

"It's striking at marriages where people have been compelled into marriage against their will. It gives people a message and the confidence to challenge where there isn't consent.

"I hope it sends a signal that there is support and help for people in these circumstances."