Children under the age of 18 who are getting married will now face the full force of the law.
Secretary for Constitution and Law Reform Committee Dr Eric Kwa revealed this today during the joint annual Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) PNG and CPA Australia conference in Port Moresby.
Dr Kwa said the law is now effective and is implemented across the country.
“Any kid that got married under 18 years of age will serve his/her term in prison.”
Dr Kwa also issued a warning to the parents that are encouraging their children to get married under the age of 18, will also face the law.
“Whether it be customary or whichever, it is still a law that children must not be married under the age of 18.”
He also added that men can now sue their wives to pay for maintenance under the new reform law CLRC is reviewing.
Dr Kwa said the law will now be gender balanced as to husbands and wives.
He said CLRC has also review the law on domestic violence in PNG and put a complete banned on all forms of domestic violence.
This include women and children.
Meanwhile, the two day joint conference by accountants will end tomorrow.