In a historical first three men have faced court charged with arranging a forced marriage between two teenagers, one aged between 13 and 15 years and the other aged 17.
It is alleged the two children in Western Australia wanted to date each other but were told by relatives that for cultural reasons, they would have to be married first.
Three men – one related to the girl and the other two to the boy – faced Perth‘s Magistrates Court on Friday accused of forcing a person into a marriage after allegedly facilitating a religious wedding ceremony for the pair last year.
Forced marriage has been illegal in Australia since 2013.
However, the Australian Federal Police, who brought the charges, say this is the first time such a case has been made in Western Australia.
The legal marriage age in Australia is 18 but a child aged upwards from 16 can marry with a court’s consent.
If found guilty the men face a maximum penalty of nine years in jail.
The case has been adjourned until August.
Three men have faced Perth’s Magistrates Court charged with facilitating a forced marriage
Forced marriages have been illegal in Australia since 2013 but the current charges are the first for Western Australia (stock image)
Forced marriage is legally defined as making someone enter wedlock without their free and full consent whether by coercion, threat or deception.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Chwal said forced marriage was not limited to any cultural group, religion or ethnicity.
‘Anyone can be a victim of forced marriage, regardless of their age, gender or sexual orientation,’ he said.
Forced marriage can apply to legally recognised marriage, cultural or religious ceremonies that occur in Australia or where a person is taken overseas to be married.
Det-Supt Chwal added it was a complex crime because often family members were frequently both the victims and perpetrators.
‘If victims do not feel comfortable speaking directly to police, there are many services and agencies which can provide support to help ensure their safety,’ he said.
If you suspect that you or another person is experiencing, or at risk of, forced marriage or human trafficking, the AFP recommends calling 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP’s human trafficking online information report.
For information and confidential advice please contact Australian Red Cross. Call 1800 113 015 or visit redcross.org.au/stpp.
