It is a historic event for the first time that three men have appeared in court charged with arranging a forced marriage between two teenagers, one aged between 13 and 15 and the other 17.
It is alleged that the two children wanted to date in Western Australia, but were told by relatives that they had to get married first for cultural reasons.
Three men, one related to the girl and the other two to the boy, appeared in court in Perth on Friday accused of forcing a man into marriage after allegedly facilitating a religious wedding ceremony for the couple last year.
Forced marriage has been illegal in Australia since 2013.
However, the Australian Federal Police, who laid the charges, say this is the first time such a case has been brought in Western Australia.
The legal age of marriage in Australia is 18, but children aged 16 and over may marry with court permission.
If found guilty, the men face a maximum prison sentence of nine years.
The case has been adjourned until August.
Three men have appeared in Perth Magistrates Court charged with facilitating a forced marriage
Forced marriage has been illegal in Australia since 2013, but the current charges are the first in Western Australia (stock image)
A forced marriage is legally defined as forcing someone to marry without their free and full consent, through coercion, threats or deception.
According to AFP Chief Inspector Peter Chwal, forced marriage is not limited to a particular cultural group, religion or ethnicity.
“Anyone can be a victim of forced marriage, regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation,” he said.
Forced marriages can involve legally recognised marriages, cultural or religious ceremonies that take place in Australia or when someone is brought overseas to marry.
Det-Supt Chwal added that it was a complex crime as family members were often both victims and perpetrators.
“If victims do not feel comfortable speaking directly to police, there are many services and agencies that can provide support to keep them safe,” he said.
If you suspect that you or another person is a victim of, or at risk of, forced marriage or human trafficking, the AFP advises you to call 131 AFP (237) or consult the AFP’s online human trafficking information report.
For information and confidential advice, contact the Australian Red Cross. Call 1800 113 015 or visit redcross.org.au/stpp.