British Muslim Child Brides

[Pete]

According to an article in the Mail On Sunday, a Shi'te mosque leader in Peterborough agreed to marry a 12-year-old girl so long as she was a "willing participant" and "her parents tell anyone".

So - no regard for British law then? And a child of 12 is old and experienced enough to decide she wants to marry?

The Iman, Mohamed Kassamali said that 'under sharia [Islamic law] there is no problem' in marrying a 12-year-old.

Just who makes the laws around here now? 

http://bit.ly/S00w9V

[Old Cruser]

He and others like him need shipping back to the country of their roots 

[Scimitar]

I don't mind these people living amongst us so long as they INTEGRATE with our society, and live within our rules and laws.
Its like we can  go to their country and abide by UK law - I think not.
This is precisely where we are far too tolerant with immigration - or have been in the past.
What worries me despite what politicians say is that when people like this settle here they make their own communities as if they are still in their homeland.
No one can argue that the UK has not benefitted  from multiculturalism (someone will though) - but there is a limit.
If you can't/won't abide by our laws, then you should not be here.

[Pete]

That's pretty much my feelings about it as well.

[therealjr]

If you read past the usual sensationalist Mail headline you will find that there is regard for UK law or at least the probablility of breaking in (both Imams involved clearly know they would be in trouble if found out) but that UK law says they can marry 12 year olds but that it is illegal for them to have sex until they reach the age of consent ie 16.

[Pete]

Must admit Jon, I normally take my news from the Guardian website, but after so many personal attacks on me and on the Guardian website, I've started to use the Telegraph and Mail sites for stories.

Which paper/news source would you say was the most honest and devoid of spin?

[therealjr]

Using the words news source and honest in the same sentence is an interesting concept that I hadn't ever considered.
I stand to be corrected but personally I think the clue is in the name
The Independant.

[Pete]

Will give a try matey.

[Scimitar]

Irrespective of whatever tabloids - Uk law is Uk law.
You and I have to conform.
What excuses do "they" have from another cultural background to create their own laws on UK soil?
None.
Comply in  other words, or face our legal system.
Simples.
People will argue with me, but I know we have been too soft and let too many illegal immigrants in to this green & pleasant land of ours; muliculturalism is good up to a point as we know, but I think we've got far too many people here that can't be traced, i.e. should not be here.
Which  begs the question how do they successfully claim benefits when they should not be here in the first place?

[therealjr]

Irrespective of whatever tabloids - Uk law is Uk law.

Correct. and the article clearly states:

The current British law allows for Imans to carry out religious marriage ceremonies of consenting brides and grooms aged under 16 so long as they don't have sex until they are 16.

So from where I am sat they aren't breaking the law. Feel free to argue that the law needs changing.

[Fly]

The Independant.

I'll stick with the first thing I find most interesting on 'Google News' when reporting stories.
If there's anyone on here think I have a preference of papers, etc, your deluded 

[Scimitar]

In my honest opinion thats not right. How can a 12 yr old (in this country) be told they are going to marry so and so just because their parents approved it. I can't believe we allow that to happen .
I live in a largely unpopulated by foreigners region (Calow), yet inherited a cat from local (indian)shop owners because the guy who worked there bought a kitten for his new wife before he even knew she was intolerant/allergic to cat hair. In other words an arranged marriage by parents - something not right there.
Love the cat though

[Scimitar]

I'll stick with the first thing I find most interesting on 'Google News' when reporting stories.
If there's anyone on here think I have a preference of papers, etc, your deluded 

What he said

[therealjr]

Scimitar: I'd agree it's not right, the problem is that the impression the Mail is trying to give is that it's illegal. It clearly isn't.

To link 2 threads together its exactly the same when the mail label people benefit cheats. Read the article and you find that they are doing nothing illegal they are merely (if thats the right word) playing the system. Same principle. Argue all you like that the system is wrong but don't say it's breaking the law.

[Scimitar]

In which case the law is an Ass.
Too soft IMHO.
Too little too late