A LAW making it a criminal offence to force people into marriage has come into effect in Scotland.
MSPs gave the go-ahead for Westminster legislation on the issue to be applied north of the border in a vote at Holyrood in January.
The law was enacted in England and Wales in June.
The new law makes it a criminal offence for someone to use violence, threats or any other form of coercion to force another person into a marriage and carries a maximum custodial sentence of seven years.
The legislation brings Scotland in line with the Council of Europe's convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention.
Equalities Secretary Shona Robison said: "Scotland has a strong record of tackling all forms of violence against women, including forced marriage, and today's enactment of this criminal law is a welcome step in protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
"Criminalising forced marriage gives an additional layer of protection for those affected by this issue and the new offence demonstrates that we are committed to meeting our international obligations and ensures consistency of protection across Scotland and the rest of the UK."
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