She was speaking after Question Time in the chamber yesterday (28 Jan) where the Finance Minister was up for questions.
The South Belfast MLA has said: "As spokesperson for the Executive Office I have raised a range of queries with ministers arising from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's Annual Statement published late last year, including on the issue of 'Forced Marriage'.
"I was therefore pleased to receive assurances from the Finance Minister, in response to my question in the Assembly chamber yesterday, that she has secured specific Executive agreement that the forthcoming Marriage & Civil Partnerships Bill will extend the offence of Forced Marriage to apply to anyone attempting to arrange the marriage of a person aged under 18.
"Given that this Bill is already agreed, I hope that we see this legislation being laid before the Assembly in the coming months. When it passes, it will be another step in enhancing crucial human rights standards and protections."