1(1)The court may make an order for the purposes of protecting—N.I.
(a)a person from being forced into a marriage or from any attempt to be forced into a marriage; or
(b)a person who has been forced into a marriage.
(2)In deciding whether to exercise its powers under this paragraph and, if so, in what manner, the court must have regard to all the circumstances including the need to secure the health, safety and well-being of the person to be protected.
(3)In ascertaining that person's well-being, the court must, in particular, have such regard to the person's wishes and feelings (so far as they are reasonably ascertainable) as the court considers appropriate in the light of the person's age and understanding.
(4)For the purposes of this Schedule a person (“A”) is forced into a marriage if another person (“B”) forces A to enter into a marriage (whether with B or another person) without A's free and full consent.
(5)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (4) it does not matter whether the conduct of B which forces A to enter into a marriage is directed against A, B or another person.
(6)In this Schedule—
“force” includes coerce by threats or other psychological means (and related expressions are to be read accordingly); and
“forced marriage protection order” means an order under this paragraph.
Commencement Information
I1Sch. 1 para. 1 in force at 25.11.2008 by S.R. 2008/446, art. 2(a)