Germany: Coalition to make forced marriage a crime
German weekly Focus reports that the German coalition partners, CDU/CSU and FDP want to change the penal code and make forced marriages a criminal offense. Forcing anybody to marry by threat of violence will lead to a prison sentence of six months to five years. Under the current law, such cases are charged as threats coupled with violence, which can also be punished by up to five years in prison.
According to the new law, an immigrant who marries a German citizen will get an independent residence permit after three years, instead of the current two years.
Source: Trouw (Dutch)
See also:
* Germany: Teachers to get guidelines on forced marriage
* Germany: Lawmakers wants laws against FGM, forced marriage
