On Tuesday, Sierra Leone enacted a landmark law banning child marriage, a significant step towards protecting children’s rights and well-being, and preventing forced child marriages from taking place in the West African country. The BBC reports on this victory.

Penalties beyond the husband

The new legislation prohibits marriage under the age of 18, imposing strict penalties of up to 15 years in prison and $5,000 in fines on those involved, including the husband, parents, community leaders, and marriage officiants. The law also introduces fines of up to $2,500- and 10 years of imprisonment on anyone who “aids or abets” the marriage. Additionally, it bans cohabitation where adults live with and have sexual relationships with minors. Those married as children can seek financial compensation and petition for an annulment. The law’s consequences are more extensive than those in other African countries and can set a powerful precedent for future prohibitions.

“We want to look at Sierra Leone as being a leader on the continent that can influence other countries.” –  Nerida Nthamburi, Head of Africa Engagement for Girls Not Brides

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