Published: 12 February 2021
Last updated: 4 March 2024
A GROUP WHICH CAMPAIGNS against religious extremism in UK Jewry says that some arranged marriages amount to forced marriage in contravention of British law.
Nahamu argues that some aspects of the shidduch system, where young men and women are introduced to prospective partners approved by their parents, can “create social pressure and coercion to marry”.
A position paper sent to the Home Office by the organisation today calls for change, including banning marriages for youth under 18 and outlawing religious weddings where there is no civil marriage.
The shidduch system has brought “joy and satisfaction” to many Jewish couples, Nahamu acknowledges, and not every arranged marriage is forced.
It outlines five markers which demonstrate “social coercion to marry, and the removal of the young person’s ability to give the free and full consent that the legislation requires”.
FULL STORY Call to stop forced marriages in the Jewish community (Jewish Chronicle)
Photo: Yehudis Fletcher
