Parliament has criminalized forced marriages and cohabitation, with harsher penalties when the victims are minors

Parliament adopted on Wednesday the bill criminalizing forced marriages and cohabitation, including by establishing harsher penalties when the victims are minors. The initiative was co-initiated by USR MP Diana Buzoianu and is due to enter into force after being promulgated by the president of Romania.

The new regulation introduces criminal penalties for situations in which a person is forced to marry or live in a cohabiting relationship against their will. The legal framework provides for a stricter regime when the acts target children, who are considered a vulnerable category.

Parliament's adoption of the bill represents the main legislative stage. For it to become applicable, the law must be promulgated by the head of state and subsequently published in the Official Gazette. Until these procedures are completed, the provisions have no legal effect.

The initiators say the amendment aims to provide greater protection for victims and enable authorities to intervene more effectively in cases of coercion, particularly when minors are involved.