UPDATE: Scotland’s legal marriage age could soon rise to 18 years old as part of a significant overhaul aimed at enhancing child protection. This urgent proposal, announced by SNP ministers, aims to align Scotland’s laws with those of England and Wales, where the legal marriage age was raised in 2023.
In a groundbreaking move, the Scottish Government has launched a consultation that seeks to eliminate the option for anyone under 18 to marry. This initiative comes in response to ongoing concerns about child safety, particularly regarding the vulnerabilities faced by young individuals in marriages. Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown emphasized the importance of ensuring that marriages are entered into freely and responsibly.
Currently, individuals can marry at just 16 without parental consent, a practice that has raised alarms among campaigners. Independent MSP Ash Regan stated, “Child marriage is a hidden crime… I want to see new safeguards to prevent coerced marriages for under-18s.” The proposed change aims to protect children from grooming and coercion, ensuring that their rights and life chances are prioritized.
From 2013 to 2023, there were 276 marriages involving participants aged 16 or 17 in Scotland, with a concerning majority involving young girls marrying older men. The trend has shown a decline, with only 21 marriages involving this age group in 2023, yet the Scottish Government recognizes the need for reform.
The consultation document highlights the inconsistency in laws since the legal age of consent remains 16, meaning 16 and 17-year-old parents would be unable to marry. This raises questions about the rights of young parents and their ability to secure legal responsibilities for their children.
The potential reforms also include updating the definition of “cohabitant” and simplifying divorce procedures for couples with children under 16. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child supports a minimum legal marriage age of 18 for both genders, aligning with global standards aimed at protecting youth.
As discussions progress, the consultation will explore broader reforms to family law, ensuring that it reflects the needs of modern Scotland. Stakeholders in favor of this change believe it will enhance protections for children and minimize their exposure to potential harms.
The Scottish Government urges everyone to participate in this crucial consultation, which is vital for safeguarding the future of vulnerable youth in Scotland. The outcome could reshape family law and offer greater protection for young people across the nation.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story as Scotland takes steps towards a significant legal reform that could redefine the landscape of marriage for future generations.
