SNP MSP Bashir Ahmad has called for action to be taken over forced marriages as the Scottish Parliament prepares to debate the issue this afternoon.

The SNP's annual conference in October supported calls from Mr Ahmad for the Scottish Government to look at ways of tackling the problem of  forced marriages.

Speaking ahead of the debate Mr Ahmad said: "It is vital we are firm and strong in our condemnation of forced marriages, however, we must equally be careful not to stigmatise any community, race or religion.

"Forced marriages are, and always will be, an abuse of human rights and human dignity carried out by cowards who hide behind the veil of honour, shame and family pride.

"I am pleased that the Scottish Government and indeed all political parties in Scotland are recognising the need to act against this horrific crime. Today in the Scottish Parliament we will be debating the way forward in tackling forced marriages.

"It is fitting that as we approach 60 years of the UN Declaration of Human Rights we come forward with a united message that we will continue to fight for everyone of our citizens to be able to live in a country free from the fear of being forced into marriage and will do our utmost to protect the human rights and dignity of the most vulnerable in our society.

Notes:

1. The motion to be debated in Parliament is below
*S3M-3011 Stewart Maxwell: Forced Marriages — That the Parliament recognises the right of every person to choose whom to marry without fear of physical, emotional or psychological abuse; recognises that forced marriage is a violation of internationally recognised human rights and a form of violence against women and has no place in Scotland; makes a clear distinction between arranged marriages to which both parties have freely consented, and which are an established and accepted practice, and forced marriage; welcomes the Scottish Government’s consultation that asks whether forced marriage civil legislation is required and provides an opportunity to consider what more can be done to help those affected in Scotland and to ensure our communities are safer, stronger and fairer places for all; acknowledges the work of the Forced Marriage Network in tackling this issue, and supports continued efforts to assist those affected, raise awareness of the impact of forced marriage and to end this terrible practice.

2. The decision of SNP Conference 2008 on Forced marriages is below Conference notes that forced marriages are condemned by all world religions and are unfortunately a cultural practice carried out by a misinformed minority.

Conference wholeheartedly opposes any form of forced marriages.  While recognising the clear difference between arranged marriages and forced marriages Conference believes that the Scottish Government should investigate the best way to tackle the latter.  Conference further recognises that there are many community groups, women's aid organisations ad law experts who should be consulted in this regard.  However, Conference belives that decisive steps must be taken to counter this vile practice and a consultation on the issue should be undertaken.

Bashir Ahmad
Christine Grahame