Germany is set to clamp down on religious polygamy and marriages involving minors.
Polygamy in Germany is already illegal, but Justice Minister Heiko Maas wants to make the move towards Germany officially not tolerating polygamous marriages.
Maas did not propose any measures that could be implemented to limit polygamy.
The Justice minister said in his words, “No one who comes to us has the right to put their cultural roots, or their religious beliefs, above our laws, for that reason multiple marriages cannot be recognised in Germany.”
Maas designed the move to prevent people from committing to more than one relationship. He also wants to stop authorities from turning a blind eye.
Polygamy is not just illegal in Germany, it is a criminal offence. But whilst these relationships are outlawed, they are quietly tolerated by local councils.
It’s not just polygamy Maas attacked. Arranged and forced marriages and marriages of minors are being cracked down on.
“We have to assess this very carefully,” he said. “We cannot tolerate forced marriages.”
No law presently exists to protect minors who have been married, but courts are able to make case-by-case decisions.
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