Banaz Murder: Push For Honour Law Continues

For 20 years Bekhal Mahmod has lived under a new name, watching every move and keeping close to safety. Her sister Banaz was murdered two decades ago after trying to leave an arranged marriage, and Bekhal says the trauma has never eased. Banaz, just 20, had reported threats and abuse to police but was dismissed by an officer who treated her as overdramatic. In 2007 Bekhal gave evidence at the trial that convicted her father and uncle of an “honour”-based killing. The anniversary of that death has renewed calls for a legal overhaul to stop similar tragedies. Campaigners want the government to adopt so‑called “Banaz’s law”: a statutory definition of “honour”-based abuse shaped by survivors, plus clear guidance to help professionals recognise the signs. Proposals also include blocking defendants from invoking “honour” as a mitigation, and treating such abuse as an aggravating factor at sentencing. Supporters argue these measures would make it easier for victims to come forward and harder for perpetrators to evade justice. Peers recently pushed amendments to the crime and policing bill urging ministers to act, and ministers say they will consider the proposals. But the government has stopped short of promising immediate legislative change. A justice minister in the Lords accepted the need for a statutory definition and guidance but warned against rushing into measures that might have unintended consequences, and would not give a timetable or guarantee the bill would be used. Advocates say delay matters because the wider immigration debate is making some survivors even less likely to seek help. Southall Black Sisters, which has campaigned for Banaz’s law, warns that focusing on migration as the main threat to women plays into far‑right narratives and alienates the very people who need protection. The organisation also wants current immigration concessions for migrant domestic abuse victims extended so that all migrant women — regardless of status — can escape abusive relationships without facing destitution or deportation. There is a practical point at the heart of the debate: without clear, statutory language, frontline workers and courts rely on inconsistent guidance. That patchiness can leave victims misjudged or unheard, and families like the Mahmods living in fear for decades. Twenty years on, Bekhal’s campaign is as much about changing attitudes as changing law. For many survivors, the promise of reform won’t mean much until it becomes a visible, enforceable safeguard — something that helps people step out of the shadows rather than keeping them there. --- Managing your business finances? TaxAce provides smart online accountancy services for UK businesses with flexible monthly plans. Image and reporting: https://www.theguardian.com | Read original article