Child rights advocates support Marriage Bill

Legislation will protect minors from being forced into marriage

- THAMI MAGUBANE

CHILD rights advocates have welcomed the new Marriage Bill that aims to ban marriages of under 18s.

Childline KZN director Adeshini Naicker said the Bill will help ensure that children are not subjected to forced marriages.

"This is a critical step in protecting children from the harmful effects of early marriage," Naicker said.

Members of the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee visited KwaZulu-Natal in the past few weeks to engage in public hearings about the Bill. The hearings were held in eThekwini and Zululand, among other areas.

"We believe the Bill could be strengthened by including comprehensive education programmes on children's rights and the dangers of child marriage, along with expanded child protection services for at-risk children," Naicker said.

"To ensure the Bill's effectiveness, Childline KZN calls for robust enforcement mechanisms such as strict penalties for violators and the establishment of anonymous reporting systems."

The new Bill aims to bring all marriages, irrespective of sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or cultural practices, under a single law, ensuring all couples receive equal recognition and protection.