asked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the reasons for delaying the coming into force of the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 until autumn 2008. [HL964]
The Government are working to implement the Act as speedily as possible. As the Government stated during the passage of the Bill, implementation of any legislation requires a significant programme of work. In overview, this programme of work will include the development of the necessary court rules and forms, the setting up of the appropriate court processing systems, guidance developed for staff and judicial training undertaken. The views of the public will also be taken into account and the Government have already published a public consultation on the issue of who should be a relevant third party to forced marriage proceedings. The implementation plan therefore includes the time needed to prepare staff and the judiciary and to ensure that support systems are in position once the Act comes into force.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their plans for ensuring that the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 is implemented effectively. [HL965]
The Government have recently announced that the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 will be brought into force in autumn 2008. During the next year there are plans to ensure that the necessary court rules and forms are developed, appropriate court processing systems put in place, guidance developed for staff and judicial training undertaken. The views of the public will also be taken into account and the Government have already published a public consultation on the issue of who should be a relevant third party to forced marriage proceedings.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What civil protection will be given to the victims of forced marriage during the period before the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 is brought into force. [HL966]
The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 adds to the existing civil protection that is already available to victims of forced marriage. This includes civil remedies under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and non-molestation orders under Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996 as well as injunctions. Applications for protection under the Children Act 1989 and High Court wardship proceedings may be made in the case of victims of forced marriage who are children.