Supportive Quotes on Forced Marriage Legislation
Amina
Smina Akhtar, Director of Amina the Muslim Women's Resource Centre said: "Forced Marriage is not acceptable within any major religion. This law will mean that victims of forced marriage will no longer be alone and have to suffer in silence, by passing this law the Scottish Government has given a voice to a silent minority and a lifeline to many young people who until now have had nowhere to turn for help and support ."
Scottish Women's Aid
"We welcome the introduction of this important legislation. Forced marriage is a form of domestic abuse, an abuse of trust and a denial of basic rights and freedoms.
"The Act is a demonstration of the Scottish Government's commitment to addressing this wrong. To make this legislation work, it is crucial that all relevant agencies who may be involved in supporting those forced into marriage are fully aware of the dynamics and nature of forced marriage and ensure that they have the appropriate procedures and training in place.
"Scottish Women's Aid has worked closely with the Scottish Government to develop relevant guidance for those who may be involved in supporting people at risk of forced marriage and we look forward to supporting our partner agencies in taking this forward."
Beyond the Veil
"Beyond the Veil welcomes the new legislation on Forced Marriages in Scotland and sees it as being informed by the values of the Muslim faith which over 1400 years ago also sought to emancipate vulnerable individuals caught in forced marriages scenarios.
"In light of this we will be fully supporting the new legislation as we see both the Scottish and Sharia legal traditions working together to eliminate a cultural practise that is claimed to be done in the name of religion.
"This legislation helps acknowledge that the problem exists and paves the way to bring to justice those guilty of forcing others into wedlock."
Shakti Women's Aid
"Shakti Women's Aid welcomes the Forced Marriage Civil Protection Act. The act is important because it will offer civil protection to those experiencing Forced Marriage in Scotland. It compliments our work in protecting victims and will, through the introduction of practice guidelines, help ensure that professionals provide the most appropriate response.
"The act also sets the stage for discussion and debate within Scottish society on the problem of forced marriage, its difference from arranged marriage and how communities should empower themselves to challenge and reject this form of violence."
Edinburgh and Lothians Racial Quality Council
Mr Foysol Choudry MBE, Chair of Edinburgh and Lothians Racial Quality Council said: "Unfortunately, due to financial, immigration or misguided cultural reasons, young people are being coerced into accepting a marriage against their choice. We, as members of these communities, have a duty to prevent this happening. Hence, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council, where I am the current Chair, has been active in raising awareness about the danger of Forced Marriage and assisting public sector agencies to provide better support to those who are affected.
"Having an open dialogue about forced marriage will help communities to understand that it is illegal as well as culturally and religiously unacceptable."
Sameem Ali
Sameem Ali, a Manchester Councillor and author of best-selling book 'Belonging' was forced to marry a complete stranger aged just thirteen when taken abroad by her mother. Told that she would only be allowed to return home if she fell pregnant, just two months later Sameem was expecting a baby and came back to Glasgow where she suffered further abuse at the hands of her family. As someone who has experienced forced marriage first-hand, Sameem knows how important it is for victims to get the right help and supports the Scottish Government taking action to provide better protection to those affected by forced marriage in this country.
She said: "It's great to know the Scottish Government is taking the appropriate steps to safeguard victims of forced marriage, and they are putting the victims or potential victims at the forefront of their minds. The only way we are going to erradicate forced marriage is if we take a multi agency approach and work consistently together. This change in legislation will give powers to the police to take relevant steps when someone breaches a forced marriage protection order."
Council of British Pakistanis
Huma Awan, Racial Equality Officer at The Council of British Pakistanis (Scotland) said: "This legislation gives a clear message that Scotland will not tolerate such violation of a person's basic human right to choose who they marry and that it will do everything it can to protect victims, men and women.
West of Scotland Regional Equality Council
Mr Mohammed Razaq, Executive Director of West of Scotland Regional Equality Council said: "I am pleased to support the new legislation as it will benefit many in our society. The distinction between forced and arranged marriage is welcome, as statistics show some individuals have not been able to distinguish between them in the past. For many it is a great cultural pride in relation to arranging marriages which provides invaluable support for individuals, families and communities."
Shaykh Amer Jamil
Well-respected academic and Muslim thinker, Shaykh Amer Jamil said: "Forced marriages have been and continue to be a problem across many communities. It was for this reason that a few years ago Scotland's first Muslim MSP the late Bashir Ahmad proposed a forced marriages act in Scotland. Faith communities agree that forced marriages have no place in Scottish society and therefore, it is heartening to see the Scottish Government prioritising the issue and actively dealing with it through new legislation. However, legislation alone will not eradicate forced marriages. Everyone must work together and play an active role in tackling this form of abuse. In the next few months I will be personally undertaking initiatives to help empower young people and educate parents. I remain committed to fighting forced marriages in all its twisted forms."
Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid
"Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid welcomes this new legislation. We provide refuge to young women fleeing forced marriages and also support and information and advice was provided to young women who find themselves facing a marriage forced upon them. This is presented to them under the disguise of holidays to visit relatives when the real purpose is pursuit of some familial arrangement. These vulnerable women leave the comfort and security of their Scottish homes unaware of the fate which awaits them. If they are alert to the reality of the situation they are confronted with a catalogue of abuse in its many dishonest disguises. This can manifest itself in parental pressure and abuse, extended family and abuse, societal pressure and abuse, so called honour violence, emotional blackmail and ultimately the loss of life. The Scottish Government is to be commended for confronting a unique, anxious and difficult cultural situation which affects many young Scots. Young Scots will now be protected arm in arm with the indigenous community."
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde very much welcomes action by the Scottish Government to introduce Forced Marriage legislation and guidance for agencies in responding to this serious issue.
"Health services workers are in a unique position to respond to individuals affected by forced marriage. We recognise the tremendous cultural, emotional and psychological pressure victims are under to conform to family or community wishes and the damaging effect this can have on a victim's health. We know from experience that people with physical and learning disabilities may also be forced into marriage by families wanting to ensure their long-term care. LGBT people are also affected in order to deflect them from expressing their sexuality.
"NHSGGC has worked with the Scottish Government and other partners to develop the guidance and is committed to using it to ensure all of our staff know and understand how to protect and support patients affected by this issue."