Minimum marriage age rises to 18 in England and Wales

Monday 27 February 2023

Naomi Wiseman of the Garden Court Chambers Family Team supported campaigning groups IKWRO - Women’s Rights Organisation and Girls Not Brides UK pro-bono.

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The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2023 comes into effect on 27 February 2023. This legislation introduces a ban on civil partnership and marriage for 16 and 17-year-olds with no exceptions. 

Naomi Wiseman of Garden Court Chambers supported campaigners including those from IKWRO in drafting the legislation.

Diana Nammi, Executive Director, IKWRO- Women’s Rights Organisation says:

This is a major step forward for the rights of children in England and Wales. We’ve campaigned for this change for a decade because no child should be subjected to the lifelong harm that comes with child marriage. I urge everyone to spread the word about this important change to the law and to come forward for support if they know of any child at risk of child marriage.

Payzee Mahmod, Campaign Manager, Child Marriage Survivor says:

I am thrilled beyond words today. I have been so passionate about ending child marriage after my own and my sister Banaz’s experience, to see this day is finally here makes me feel hopeful for the future we are creating for girls. I am now looking forward to seeing this law extend to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The content above is taken from a press release by IKWRO.

Click here to watch Naomi's appearance on BBC Breakfast.

See press coverage: BBC News, the Independent, and The Guardian.

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