Background & Purpose
There has been a need to close legal loopholes to ensure that children and young people are protected from being forced into marriages, both within Sweden and abroad.
Proposals & Debate
The government proposed creating a new crime called 'marriage travel offense' for taking children abroad to be married. They also suggested increasing penalties for existing marriage-related crimes and allowing police to use secret surveillance, such as wiretapping, to investigate these cases.
The Decision
The parliament approved the proposal, meaning that stricter punishments and new investigative tools will be used to stop forced and child marriages.
Does this affect you?
- Children and young people: They receive stronger legal protection against being forced into marriage by their families.
- Law enforcement: Police and prosecutors get better tools, such as secret surveillance, to investigate and prevent these crimes.
In Practice
- A new crime is introduced for taking children abroad to be married.
- Penalties for forced marriage and child marriage are increased.
- Police can use secret surveillance methods to investigate suspected forced marriages.
- Foreign child marriages will never be recognized in Sweden, with no exceptions.