Family Violence (Amendments) Bill

  • enacted
  • Previous title has changed
97 285 New section 207A inserted (Coerced marriage or civil union)

After section 207, insert:

207A Coerced marriage or civil union

(1)

Everyone is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years who, with intent to cause another person to enter into a marriage or civil union, uses coercion (for example, intimidation, threats, or violence) against that other person.

(2)

Subsection (1) applies even if the marriage or civil union—

(a)

is not governed by New Zealand law:

(b)

is an arrangement or a relationship (however described, and even if not legally binding) in the form of a marriage or civil union:

(c)

is not solemnised or otherwise completed:

(d)

is, or if solemnised or otherwise completed would be, void or not legally binding (for example, for lack of consent, absence of formality, or non-compliance with a legal requirement).