Does any one think that arranged/forced marriages should be made ilegal?

Arranged - no, it shouldn't. (I'll explain in a minute)

Forced - Yes, it should be illegal.

Why shouldn't Arranged Marriage be illegal? Because there is a difference to arranged and forced. Arranged, as long as you have the option to decline - both the male and female - for any reason such as sexuality, having fallen in love with someone else prior to the time the marriage was arranged for, abusive history - no sense in marrying a douche, MASSIVE age difference, underage marriage etc.

Often, culturally, people are betrothed to a person from birth, and they do get to know them - if they don't want to, it should be okay to pull out. IF they don't have the option to pull out - it's forced marriage, and tantamount to rape.

Why do I think this, given I come from a country and culture that arranged marriage is NOT done? Because I understand that there are cultural reasons for this - and they don't just pick the prospective partner in a random fashion - they put thought into it, who would suit their child etc. I have a friend who's sister was married in an arranged marriage - and they are perfectly happy. However, she was arranged as well - but able to choose whether she went with them...and if she didn't - that was fine.

On the original question - errr, arranged marriage isn't taking away the right to freedom of speech - That doesn't make sense.

i totally agree and have produced a hub on it, check it out if you wish to.

of course it should be illegal.

no one has the right to make this decision for anyone else.

Yes it should be illegal. Marriage is supposed to be between 2 people who love each other and want to spend their lives together. Arranged marriages is such an injustice for both involved.