Austria: Forced marriage law extension likely

Austria: Forced marriage law extension likely

Via the Austrian Times:
People’s Party (ÖVP) State Secretary Sebastian Kurz has called for a reform of Austria’s anti-forced marriage law.

Forced marriages are not a criminal offence under the current regulations if carried out abroad. Austrians and people living in Austria are facing legal consequences for such actions only if this kind of marriage occurs within the country’s borders.

Kurz – who took office as Austria’s first state secretary for integration in April – said yesterday (Sun): "Forced marriages are criminal acts and must not be tolerated." The ÖVP Vienna boss told Die Presse and radio station Ö1 he was optimistic about coming to an agreement with ÖVP Justice Minister Beatrix Karl.

(source)