The government and the Sweden Democrats (SD) are tightening measures against honor-related violence and oppression. On Thursday, a bill will be presented with a series of legislative amendments to "close gaps" in the legislation.
Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M) emphasizes that many actions today are not punishable. For example, a parent might mislead or give consent to a child being taken out of the country to be married.
The criminal-law regulations are being adapted so that they cover more situations and more individuals who play different roles in enabling these abuses, he says.
Close loophole
The government also wants to remove the current loophole for recognizing foreign marriages such as polygamy, child marriage, and cousin marriage. The ban on recognizing these marriages will now apply without exception.
The polygamous marriages that already exist in Sweden today will also be invalidated, according to Gunnar Strömmer. He said this involves approximately 50 marriages.
The government also wants to tighten the punishment scales for forced marriage and child marriage crimes – and in addition, covert measures, such as secret wiretapping, should be allowed to be used in investigations into these crimes.
Intercepts should be allowed both for people who are reasonably suspected of a crime and to investigate who may reasonably be suspected of a crime. The information can, for example, show whether a person is being subjected to pressure, clarify who is doing what and provide information about how, where and when a wedding is to take place.
Honor-related crimes are difficult to investigate and prove because they often occur in a family, clan or lineage where there is a culture of silence toward authorities, says Jessica Stegrud (SD).
“Effective tool”
According to Gunnar Strömmer, the ability to use covert investigative measures will be an "incredibly effective tool" for the police.
It will play a very big role in practice, he says.
The proposals are due to enter into force on July 2, 2026.
The government has also proposed a ban on cousin marriages in Sweden, which is expected to come into effect on July 1 of this year.
