A January report by BBC News indicates that forced marriage is a problem in the UK, although it doesn’t appear to be taken very seriously by some. Girls as young as fifteen have been beaten and sent abroad to be married, despite their objections. One girl reported informing a teacher at her school, but the teacher didn’t believe her and ignored her cries for help. Apparently, this isn’t an isolated case, but little is done until after girls disappear.
Even after girls disappear, the fact that they’re missing is simply reported. The Department of Education and Skills has stated that schools should simply “hand out information” to appropriate authorities when girls go missing. I’m sure young girls are comforted by the thought.
Forced marriage is not allowed in the UK, and they even have a special “Forced Marriage Unit” to investigate such cases. Unfortunately, the cases are under-reported. One activist found a dozen girls threatened with forced marriage in about 90 days time. Nearly half had disappeared, presumably to be married off. In contrast, the city council showed only one case.
The Derby City Council has special forums for diversity and cultural programs, in which this and other minority sensitive issues are discussed. While the UK does not approve of forced marriages, every effort is being made to be “culturally sensitive.”
Perhaps all this politically correct sensitivity would be more beneficial if applied to the young girls who are having their freedom taken away. How about some “tolerance” for their perspective?
A forced marriage is little more than slavery, and it is not allowed in the UK, yet they tiptoe around it so they don’t offend anybody. I’m willing to bet that the young girls being sent off to become wives against their wishes are plenty offended.
Tolerance, diversity, and sensitivity all sound good on the surface, but like anything else too much of a good thing can be unhealthy… at least for certain people, when that “sensitivity” is at their expense.
That’s my two cents. What’s your opinion?
More marriage in the news stories: