Girls At Risk Of Child Marriage …

[naomi24]

…. as half of local authorities fail to keep records

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/may/18/girls-at-risk-of-child-marriage-as-half-of-local-authorities-fail-to-keep-records

So while half the country is puffing hysterically over a man driving a couple of hundred miles, another effect of lockdown is ignored. Still, at least we can pat ourselves on the back for getting our priorities right.

[Mamyalynne]

It's a real dereliction of care and responsibility, it often appears to be that if people stay quiet it just isn't happening.

Dreadful.

[naomi24]

I think the main problem is, mamylaynne, that whilst the girls are out of school and in lockdown with their families no one can keep an eye on them - even if they want to.

[Mamyalynne]

Indeed, at the moment that is clearly making matters worse - must be so frightening.

[ToraToraTora]

these must be convenient times for TROP barbarians.

[andy-hughes]

Naomi - // So while half the country is puffing hysterically over a man driving a couple of hundred miles, another effect of lockdown is ignored. Still, at least we can pat ourselves on the back for getting our priorities right. //

It is always possible to attempt to minimise one criminal act by pointing to another more serious criminal act, as though the bigger impact of the latter diminishes the importance of the former.

It's possible - but it's a spurious argument.

Breaking the law is breaking the law - the law does not weigh one crime up against another, principally because that is no grounds for a system of justice.

[naomi24]

// it's a spurious argument. //

I haven't offered that argument. You've imagined it.

[andy-hughes]

Naomi - // // it's a spurious argument. //

I haven't offered that argument. You've imagined it. //

Fair enough - in my opinion, it's a pointless invalid comparison.

Better?

[naomi24]

You're entitled to your opinion.

[andy-hughes]

Naomi - // You're entitled to your opinion. //

Awww shucks, thanks!!

I sorta knew you'd say that!!!

[iluvmargie]

Jesus, he's spoiling yet another thread!!

[naomi24]

Yep.

[andy-hughes]

iluvmargie - // Jesus, he's spoiling yet another thread!! //

I have raised a legitimate point about what I believe to be an invalid comparison - where is the 'spoiling' in that?

[Bobbisox1]

If there was ever a case for public flogging it’s with the scum who arrange this terrible practice

[naomi24]

Bobbi, As far as I’m aware forced marriage was only outlawed in this country in 2014 - so late in the day. Far more needs to be done but whilst we have people demanding that we respect religion and cultural norms it's a difficult one. How far does 'live and let live' go?

[andy-hughes]

naomi - //… but whilst we have people demanding that we respect religion and cultural norms it's a difficult one. How far does 'live and let live' go? //

I think the standard setting for any civilised society should include the concept that any behaviour, for any reason, including religion, that has a negative affect on one or more other individuals, will not be tolerated, and such behaviour is punishable by law.

Of course, the measure of 'negative effect' can be a grey area, but clearly in this instance, it is entirely black and white, and should be treated as such.

[Gromit]

Forced marriage was a problem long before we had a lockdown. The only difference is that schools and local authorities are hampered in their monitoring by lockdown. That could lead to an increase in forced marriages, but travel to and from Asian is currently prohibited at the moment, so there may even be a decrease.
Not sure how the comparison with Dominic Cummings works. He wrote the rules and then didn’t enter into the spirit of them by ignoring the bits he didn’t like. Not the crime of the century. It Just showed a character flaw.

[naomi24]

Gromit, //travel to and from Asian is currently prohibited at the moment, //

Forced marriages are not restricted to ceremonies abroad. Far from it.

//Not sure how the comparison with Dominic Cummings works.//

There was no comparison with Dominic Cummings - simply with the public’s interest in prioritising the newsworthy.

[Gromit]

// half the country is puffing hysterically over a man driving a couple of hundred miles, another effect of lockdown is ignored. //

Er, that is a comparison with Cummings.

I agree that forced marriage is a far worse crime. But a man driving 600 miles with 2 Covid-19 passengers during lockdown is not totally trivial. They may have infected people who subsequently may have died. It was a very stupid thing to do.

[naomi24]

Gromit, This isn't about Cummings.

[andy-hughes]

naomi - // Gromit, This isn't about Cummings. //

Absolutely, it's not, which is why using his situation as a comparison is pointless, as I did point out.