From September 01, 2020, the Government of Vietnam significantly increases the penalties for organizing child marriage

From September 1, 2020, the Government of Vietnam significantly increases the penalties for organizing child marriage (Illustration)

According to Clause 8, Article 3 of the Law on Marriage and Family 2014 which stipulates: “Child marriage is the act of entering into marriage when one or both parties have not yet reached the legal marriageable age as specified in Point a, Clause 1, Article 8 of this Law.”

Regarding the age for marriage as specified in Point a, Clause 1, Article 8 of the Law on Marriage and Family 2014: “Men must be at least 20 years old, women must be at least 18 years old.”

Additionally, at Point b, Clause 2, Article 5 of the Law on Marriage and Family 2014, it is strictly forbidden to practice child marriage. Therefore, couples who marry when either or both are under the legal marriageable age, specifically men under 20 years old and women under 18 years old, are considered to be committing the act of child marriage and will be subject to administrative sanctions. The penalties for child marriage and organizing child marriage are currently stipulated under Article 47 of Decree 110/2013/ND-CP, specifically:

1. A warning or a fine ranging from VND 500,000 to VND 1,000,000 for the act of organizing a marriage for a person who has not reached the marriageable age.

2. A fine ranging from VND 1,000,000 to VND 3,000,000 for the act of intentionally maintaining an unlawful marital relationship with a person who has not reached the marriageable age despite a court decision requiring the termination of such a relationship.

However, starting from September 1, 2020, the effective date of Decree 82/2020/ND-CP, the penalties for child marriage and organizing child marriage have increased, specifically:

1. A fine ranging from VND 1,000,000 to VND 3,000,000 for the act of organizing a marriage for a person who has not reached the marriageable age.

2. A fine ranging from VND 3,000,000 to VND 5,000,000 for the act of maintaining an unlawful marital relationship with a person who has not reached the marriageable age despite having a legally effective court judgment or decision.

Although the issue of child marriage has decreased significantly compared to previous years, this situation still occurs, causing destructive consequences, leading to long-term poverty, and health risks related to early pregnancy. Brides in child marriage cases are often victims of domestic violence as well. Beyond its negative impact on life, the legal consequences it causes are also very serious.

Read more about the other penalties in Decree 82/2020/ND-CP, effective from September 1, 2020, which replaces Decree 110/2013/ND-CP and Decree 67/2015/ND-CP.

Le Hai

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